France's Cassandre Beaugrand gave some insight into the suffocating pressure that comes with being a home favourite at the Olympics when, racked by nerves, she threw up at the start of the women's triathlon on July 31.
Less than two hours later, however, she reaped the benefits in spectacular style, surfing the wave of popular support rolling off the streets of Paris to surge clear on the run and win the country's first gold in the sport.
The 27-year-old had been in a breakaway pack of four on the 10km run leg, alongside compatriot Emma Lombardi, British world champion Beth Potter and Switzerland's Julie Derron.
She looked comfortable and relaxed as she strode through the finish zone on the first three laps and then made her move on the final lap to come home well clear.
The Frenchwoman grabbed the finish tape, kissed it and collapsed to the ground. Derron chased her home for silver with Potter taking bronze, leaving Lombardi in the worst position of all.
"I can't find the words, it's crazy what's happening to me. This morning, I would never have believed it," Beaugrand said.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin August 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin August 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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