By Michelle Pickles, in London
New Zealander Sarah Walker will be chasing a medal when the BMX gets underway this week.
Walker finished a disappointing fourth in Beijing, but believes the experience she gained from those games will be key to her success here in London.
Her easy smile speaks volumes about how she is feeling ahead of her performance. She’s confident, focused and not concerned about her competition.
“I’ll keep an eye out on the girls today and in practice tomorrow, just to see what they’re doing,” she says. “But I won’t get distracted by them, I’ve just got to focus on myself, learn the track as best as possible and if I ride it 100 percent of what I’m capable of then I have no doubt that I can win it.”
Walker is one of just three riders out of the 16-strong field who also competed in Beijing.
“I think it’s a huge advantage because we know what to expect. We know that it is different to every other race that you line up against, but also to accept that and move on and focus on performance, whereas I think last time being a first timer I got caught up in the hype that was the Olympics.”
Last time Walker went in as the favourite and finished fourth.
This time she believes the gold medal can be hers, despite dislocating her shoulder just four months ago.
“I feel really good. My shoulder, I couldn’t be more happy with it. I’m feeling really strong I’m feeling really fast I’m feeling really confident on my bike. I’m just really looking forward to it.”
Walker will begin her journey towards Olympic glory early Thursday morning, New Zealand time.
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