Disappointed Antoinette de Jong: ‘Pretend this didn’t happen’ | Olympics

De Jong came into action in stage 6, but with her 4.02.37 it was soon clear that that would not earn her a medal. “This was not the race I had in mind,” said De Jong at the NOS. “I gave everything, but I am not tired. I didn’t get to a point in the race where I could deliver the energy I wanted.”

De Jong will continue her Olympic mission next Monday, when she takes action in the 1500 meters. „You can now close this, although I will of course sit down with Jac (coach Orie, ed.) about what we can do to show ‘the best me’ on Monday. Then I’ll go for it again as if this didn’t happen today”, De Jong left no doubt that he wanted to forget the 3 kilometers quickly.

Carlijn Achtereekte is dethroned as Olympic champion in the 3 kilometers.

Ⓒ AFP

Backeek

The seventh classified Carlijn Achtereekte was satisfied with her performance, but nevertheless lost her Olympic title. “Actually I drove very well”, said Achtereekte after her time of 4.02.21 for the NOS. That was slower than her Japanese opponent Miho Takagi, who drove 4.01.77. “It was a difficult ride. At the intersections I got into a mess twice and twice she made me wait. I was a bit run out of the race. you try to stay cool, steady to drive, but it will cost you tenths. I sensed it too, but it was very smart.”

Achtereekte still had the hope of coming back at the end of the ride. “It was my best race of the season, but in the end I just came up short.”

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