GOLD No.3: Champion Effort Just To Reach Start Line 

The tears flowing from Emily Petricola’s eyes after she claimed a consecutive women’s 3000 metres individual pursuit C4 Paralympic crown told the story of a champion who had her back to the wall but somehow found the will to win.  

Petricola was favourite for the event, but later revealed that complications from her Multiple Sclerosis had nearly thwarted her title defence. 

“It’s been a really tough last eight weeks and it’s only been because of medical staff back at home and here that I’ve been able to make it to the start line,” she said after her race.  

“I’ve been on the physio table once or twice a day and even today, between races, I was getting more physio so I’m really, really grateful for the support that I’ve been able to receive.  

“I just kept telling myself, people have prepared me for this, my body is trained to do this and it doesn’t matter how I feel or what’s going on at the end of the day, my body will go to autopilot and just get it done.” 

In a video recorded later in the day, Petricola said: “I was just so happy. I remember last time I just felt relief because I actually felt a huge amount of pressure going into Tokyo.  

“To win, with all my people there, it was really special.” 

Enjoyed this read? Recap Gold Medal No.4 here

By: David Sygall

Published: 27 December 2024