Spins, turns and tension: the final Paris 2024 spot is at stake in the Olympic qualification series
When it comes to the Olympic qualifying series, we can't hold back. For those selected to compete in Shanghai and Budapest, these two tournaments will be their last chance to qualify for Paris 2024.
With the margin of error so narrow, tensions are expected to run high, with even Olympic medalists struggling to maintain their composure.
“To be honest, I'm very, very nervous about the Olympic qualifying series. But at the same time, I'm very excited,” said the USA athlete. hannah robertsTokyo 2020 BMX freestyle silver medalist. Of course, you have to do it well. That's why I'm so nervous. ”
Whether they head to the skatepark on a bike like Roberts or on a skateboard, Paris 2024 hopefuls from various OQS sports are feeling nervous ahead of Shanghai.
“The next stage will be stressful for everyone and no one will be safe, so it might be a little more exciting,” says the Dutch skateboarder. Keith Oldenbubing he told Olympic.com. “It's definitely a little scary. You don't really know what's going to happen.”
Japanese Be Boy Isshin He can't get the Olympic qualifying series out of his mind.
“OQS is always on my mind during practice. It's good to be able to think that way,” he said. “I will work hard every day with the feeling that I am growing more than anyone else, and I will use all my explosive energy at OQS to earn a spot in the Olympics.”
sarah nicky I hope to do my best in Shanghai and Budapest as well. The Australian teenager will be one of the BMX riders competing with Roberts for the final Olympic spot. If she is successful, Paris 2024 will be the 17-year-old's Olympic debut.
Feeling the weight of it all, Nikki resolves to remain calm under the pressure.
“Right now I'm feeling really good and I'm not too stressed, but as the time gets closer I'm going to start feeling a little stressed,” Nicky said. “It feels incredible to be in a place where I even have a chance of getting there, when only a few girls really have this opportunity.”
Swiss sport climber Petra Klingler continues her quest to qualify for her second Olympic Games. Preparing for her Olympic qualifying series is a grueling routine that combines physical and mental work.
But given the novelty of the OQS format, the sport's veterans also leave room for the unexpected.
“I'm going to work a little bit more on my mental preparation, my mental coordination, and my explosiveness,” she said of her training priorities for the competition. “But the rest of it, it's really hard to know where you stand and what it's going to be. So it's really exciting. *It becomes a little bit of a bolt out of the blue.”
