Katarina Johnson-Thompson reveals she was 'grieving gold' as Team GB star pays tribute after Olympics silver
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has confessed to 'grieving gold' after winning silver at the Olympics on Friday night
REUTERS
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has admitted she was 'grieving gold' after securing silver in the heptathlon at the Paris Olympics on Friday.
But the Team GB star also insists she has no regrets about the way the event played out and is delighted at adding to her country's medal haul.
Johnson-Thompson performed brilliantly in the heptathlon and gave the final event, the 800 metres, her all as she chased gold.
In the end it wasn't to be, with Belgium's Nafi Thiam securing her place at the top of the podium.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson has confessed to 'grieving gold' after winning silver at the Olympics on Friday night
REUTERS
Speaking after her exploits in Paris, Johnson-Thompson admitted she was 'grieving gold' after crossing the line.
But the 31-year-old says she's proud of her silver medal and has 'no regrets', while also confessing it was a 'relief' to etch her name into the history books.
"I am so happy. No complaints at all. I am grateful and emotional and overwhelmed. I have no regrets. I am so happy to come away with an Olympic medal," she said.
"Ultimately it’s relief. As I crossed the line, I was running for gold tonight. I had such mixed emotions going into it.
JUST IN: Gabby Logan brands Olympics star 'selfish' in stinging attack live on BBC
"I was sort of grieving gold but also wanting to fight for gold and celebrate. I had so many different emotions crossing the line.
To be on the podium is such an honour. Olympic cycles can be brutal. I know that more than anyone.
"In 2016, it was all mental, it was mental exhaustion. In 2021 it was physical. I feel after both Olympics I could have given up for different reasons.
"I had to revamp or sort change a lot of things to get into this Olympic cycle."
READ MORE: British Olympic medallist shuts down Good Morning Britain host over misinformation
Johnson-Thompson also paid tribute to her team for helping her behind the scenes.
"I am so happy with the last three years," the veteran continued.
"The team that I have around me. I wouldn’t have been on the start line without them for sure.
"I have got them to thank. It is all down to them."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Katarina Johnson-Thompson believes Nafi Thiam is the 'greatest of all time' after the Belgian win gold at the Olympics
GETTY
Johnson-Thompson also showed class by paying tribute to Thiam.
She was only beaten by just 36 points at the end, with her rival running her best-ever 800 metres with a time of 2:10.62.
And Johnson-Thompson believes Thiam is the 'greatest of all time', insisting that's an 'undisputed' fact.
Katarina Johnson-Thompson is proud of her silver medal at the Paris Olympics
REUTERS
"My game plan was to try to run 2:02 but the way the heptathlon, you never know want to expect or how the races will pan out," she continued.
"It was pretty close this time. Nafi is the greatest of all time. It is undisputed now.
"It’s an honour to have an actual rivalry against one of the greatest of all time."