Nicola Spirig has decided to compete in the Tokyo Games next year. She is fully aware of the difficulty of the task ahead. But she is ready to take it up.
Nicola Spirig, will Tokyo be the last meeting of your career?
“Today I have only one certainty: that of participating in the Tokyo Games in 2021. After this meeting, I will decide on my future.”
What are the reasons that led you to extend your career until 2021?
“I still have the motivation and the same energy. I have the support of my husband and my children. And I can always count on the support of Brett Sutton, my trainer for 15 years. These are three good reasons that explain this choice.”
Why will the Tokyo triathlon not be a triathlon like the others?
“The heat and humidity will be a major difficulty which we will have to overcome. The preparation will have to be turned towards these extreme conditions which we will meet in Japan. Besides, the course by bike will be flat but it will include many curves. able to relaunch well out of corners to hurt opponents. “
You will be 39 next year. Isn’t age a factor that speaks against you?
“There are women over the age of 40 who clock extraordinary times in the marathon. I also remember that Kristin Armstrong won the gold medal in the time trial at the Rio Games in 2016 a day before celebrating her 43rd birthday. All these women show us that age is not a “problem”. “
Cycling is your discipline of choice. Weren’t you tempted to give up triathlon after Rio to devote yourself solely to the time trial?
“Triathlon remains my passion. Its three disciplines fascinate me. But it is possible that I will line up next spring in certain cycling events. It can’t hurt …”
ats
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