a recent interview, British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson shared her deep connection to athletics, the motivation behind her partnership with Aston Martin, her triumph at the World Championships in Budapest, and her anticipation for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Passion for Athletics and Partnership with Aston Martin
Johnson-Thompson began by expressing her profound love for athletics, emphasizing how it has been a constant throughout her life. As the first sport she was exposed to during her childhood, it holds a special place in her heart. She acknowledged the significant role it played in shaping her career and life. The partnership with Aston Martin evolved during a challenging period in her training when access to tracks and clubs became a hurdle. The collaboration emerged from a genuine concern for the potential loss of a generation of athletes who might miss the opportunity to pursue a career in athletics due to such barriers.
Concerns for the Next Generation of Athletes
During a period of struggle and uncertainty in her training, Johnson-Thompson recognized the possibility of a “Lost Generation” of athletes if they couldn’t access tracks and clubs. This concern prompted her to take action and initiate a partnership with Aston Martin to extend the reach of athletics into schools. She expressed a desire to give back, highlighting how athletics has been instrumental in shaping her own life and career. Johnson-Thompson emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to young athletes, especially during the crucial developmental stage where they might otherwise drop out of the sport.
Triumph at the World Championships in Budapest
Reflecting on her gold medal at the World Championships in Budapest, Johnson-Thompson discussed the significance of the victory. Despite her impressive track record, she felt like an underdog entering the competition. Notably, she mentioned the lack of recognition in pre-Championship articles and even being omitted from the promotional material. However, fueled by self-belief and supported by her team, Johnson-Thompson triumphed, securing three personal bests in challenging events.
She described the experience as mentally draining but emphasized the necessity of overcoming obstacles to build self-confidence. Johnson-Thompson attributed her success to the unwavering support of her coach, Bertrand Valcin, and her team, acknowledging that her achievements wouldn’t have been possible without their guidance.
Overcoming Challenges and Clawing Back to Form
The interview delved into the challenges Johnson-Thompson faced, including recovering from an Achilles rupture and dealing with disappointments. She expressed gratitude for her ability to “claw back” into form, showcasing her competitive spirit. While acknowledging the difficulties, she conveyed her happiness at reclaiming form and competitiveness.
Anticipation for the Paris Olympics
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Johnson-Thompson revealed that Paris had always been a long-term goal since the inception of her partnership with Aston Martin. The focus was on building up to this moment, making the Budapest victory a welcome bonus a year early. Johnson-Thompson expressed confidence that the team’s strategic approach aligns with the Paris Olympics plan. The depth of competition in heptathlon, even without Nafi Thiam in Budapest, excites her. She acknowledged the incredible rivalry with Thiam, highlighting the consistent performance of her competitors and the emergence of young talents in the field.
Motivation and Approach to the Olympics
Competing against top athletes like Jess Ennis-Hill and Nafi Thiam since the age of 19, Johnson-Thompson credited her competitors with teaching her valuable lessons throughout her career. She highlighted the motivation derived from their expertise, emphasizing Jess Ennis-Hill’s role in shaping her expectations and Nafi Thiam’s influence on consistency. Johnson-Thompson expressed admiration for Thiam’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
Regarding her approach to the upcoming Paris Olympics, Johnson-Thompson dismissed thoughts of Olympic gold, emphasizing that she had spent previous Olympic cycles solely focused on winning a medal. Now, her mature perspective prioritizes maintaining health and ensuring uninterrupted training. She aims to take each day and week as it comes, focusing on being the best she can be in training and arriving in Paris in optimal health.
In conclusion, Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s interview provides insights into her deep passion for athletics, her commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes, and her determined mindset as she prepares for the Paris Olympics.