“Honestly, the expectations were zero because it’s my first Games. I really wanted to have fun and enjoy the experience, but crossing the finish line in 11th place, I don’t even know how to express it. I had to sprint at the end because the desire to finish there was exactly what I wanted. But yes, I really don’t know what to say,” admitted the young athlete, who is the current U23 World Vice-Champion.
An unexpected result, under quite difficult conditions. “At least the race took place. I think that in any situation, just to have it happen was the best. But yes, with the rain, it always makes the course a bit more complicated and I think there were some falls in the leading group. Fortunately, I managed to avoid that, so I think that was already a positive point. I knew that being in the group to start running could be quite good. I tried to hold on as much as possible with the front runners and went for it until the end.”
“Today it was only at 4 o’clock in the morning that they gave us the answer about whether it would take place or not. But everything was really on the edge, because since it rained on Friday and Saturday, the river was always going to be at the limit of possible bacteria to allow us to swim. Fortunately, it happened. Then the other point that was also up for discussion was the current, because there was quite a strong current. I think we took about three or four minutes to get there, and then coming back it felt like it would never end. But at least everything was within the values that can be realized in the race, and I think it was good.”
And what can this debut take away for an athlete, especially with this result? “I really think it’s the great spectacle we can take home. And besides that, I think I’ve managed to inspire many women, which was my big goal in participating in the Olympic Games. Achieving dreams is possible, and women can have a significant impact in sports. As you can see, I think the audience was incredible, and I hope it’s as large as it will be for the men.”
With the individual chapter closed, now the mixed relay awaits, and Maria Tomé admits that she will enter with more pressure… because of today. “Now the expectations are a bit higher, and maybe the pressure for me is a little greater. I really tried to prepare for this race without too much pressure. But I think that, as we are a team, it depends on everyone’s role. So let’s see if we can achieve the Olympic diploma, which is our main goal, and get as close to the podium as possible, because I think we are a very strong team. So let’s give it our all.”
Podium? “Dreaming is always possible, isn’t it? That’s true. So, I think we can dream of the podium, and whatever happens will be the best we can achieve.”