August 30
2024
at
10:05
Skarstein defeated in sprint thriller: – It was completely dark
It wasn’t an optimal start when Birgit Skarstein was set to compete in the heats on Friday morning, where she was the pre-race favorite.
She led throughout the race, but at the end, Ukrainian Sheremet overtook and took the victory. This means that Skarstein must compete in a repechage on Saturday to advance to the final on Sunday, September 1.
In the other heat, Israeli Moran Samuel won and advanced to the final. Samuel won silver at the Paralympics in 2021, where Birgit Skarstein took gold.
Now the defending champion has to face an extra hurdle before a potential final.
Bearing a smile, Birgit Skarstein met with NRK after the attempt.
– I went a bit early to see if it would work – it didn’t work, says a laughing Birgit Skarstein.
After crossing the finish line, it was clear that this had taken a toll on her.
– I saw stars, and it was completely dark. I thought I was going to throw up, but I just had to catch my breath. It’s so silly to faint in the water; it’s better to faint on the dock, says Skarstein.
The reigning champion believes she is well-prepared to compete in a final even with an additional race on Saturday.
– I am fit enough to do it, so it shouldn’t be a problem for me.