Introduction
Gold medallist Laura Kenny discusses her Olympic preparation, her advice for athletes, and the impact of the dressage scandal on Team GB in an interview on Sky News.
Olympic Preparation
Laura Kenny is preparing for her first Olympics since 2008 with significantly less stress and nervousness. She highlights that athletes’ careers span much longer than the four years between Olympics, involving continuous daily focus on their performance. She describes the final two weeks before the Olympics as the most enjoyable, as the hard work is done and training is reduced.
Advice for Athletes
Kenny advises athletes to treat the Olympics like any other competition despite the global attention. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not getting overwhelmed by the event’s grandeur.
Impact of Dressage Scandal
Kenny comments on the allegations against dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin, who had to withdraw from the Olympics. Although she has no expertise in horse training, Kenny, an animal lover, expresses concern for the welfare of the horse involved. She believes the scandal will primarily affect Dujardin’s team and not the overall performance of Team GB, as athletes typically avoid media and social media during the Olympics.
Key Athletes to Watch
Kenny highlights Emma Finucane as a potential standout for Team GB, predicting she could win three gold medals and become the first female to achieve this in one Olympic Games. Finucane, only 21 years old, is praised for her racing skills and mentality.
Competitors to Watch
Kenny identifies Australia, France, and the Netherlands as major competitors for Team GB in cycling. She notes that the competition is more open this time, with multiple teams having strong chances of performing well.
Importance of Home Crowd Support
Kenny underscores the impact of home crowd support, citing research by NatWest showing that a home crowd can increase an athlete’s chances of winning a medal by 5%. She encourages British supporters to travel to France to support their athletes.
Conclusion
Laura Kenny provides insights into Olympic preparation, offers advice to fellow athletes, and discusses the potential impact of the dressage scandal on Team GB, highlighting key athletes and competitors to watch in the upcoming Olympics.
