- Team GB’s Beth Shriever was praised for her interview after finishing eighth.
- Shriever was thought to win gold, but she was graceful in defeat.
Team GB’s Beth Shriever has been praised for her “mature” interview after finishing eighth in the BMX final at the Olympics.
Shriever was widely expected to win gold, but remained optimistic despite falling short of glory.
The 25-year-old praised the atmosphere in France and insisted she had enjoyed her time at the Games.
Shriever told BBC Sport: ‘I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve been here.
‘Sometimes things don’t go as planned, that’s life. I gave it my all. I’m happy, I’m healthy, I have my friends and family here and that’s all that matters.
Beth Shriever praised for her “mature” interview after finishing eighth in the BMX final
Although she didn’t win gold, Shriever insisted she enjoyed her time at the Games.
Asked about the atmosphere, Shriever said, “It’s crazy. With the men on 1, 2 and 3, I’ve never experienced anything like it. Crazy. I’ve had a blast. It is what it is.”
“I came out a little late at the beginning. All the other times I did well. I think the other girls were flying and they knocked me down, but it’s all good. I’m happy.”
Australia’s Saya Sakakibara was left in tears after claiming the gold medal.
Despite being the second fastest in qualifying, Shriever was unable to match the gold she won at Tokyo 2021.
Saya Sakakibara of Australia won gold in France, while Manon Veenstra of the Netherlands took silver.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Zoe Claessens won bronze.
Shriever’s Great Britain teammate Kye Whyte left the track on a stretcher after suffering a crash during the men’s semi-final.