RHYS O’NEILL
RO:
I generally pull up pretty good, I just didn’t have the gold medal. Generally when you are laborious you pull up sore but when you hit that sweet spot like I did, you pull up OK.
RO:
It’s been tough in so many ways to get to here. Having that good support team (has been great) and juggling (son) Harvey and full-time work, plus with (husband and Olympic champion) Jared being out injured, he’s had that chance to help.
RO:
Who knows? I’ve had periods away. I had five years off and through that time I dedicated myself to supporting Jared and in that time we have had so many successes. He wanted to repay me and provide me with the opportunity to fulfil my dreams. To not do that on the day was really, really tough. I’m ageing and I knew I wouldn’t have too many opportunities like I did. I know I wouldn’t have been happy if I’d settled for silver.
RO:
I had so many nieces and nephews there and I was walking for so many people. My gamble (to chase gold) didn’t pay off.
RO:
Absolutely. So many people had helped me day after day. My mum has been amazing looking after Harvey, and Jared has pretty much been a stay-at-home dad. He gets exhausted like we all do. We get frustrated with each other so much but we know we’re doing it for the ultimate goal. I was absolutely hysterical and I’ve never sobbed like that in my life. It just meant so much to me and so many other people as well.
RO:
I don’t know. It’s part of my history now. My silver in Delhi wasn’t my best race so to feel better but not have a result is hard. In 10 years nobody will remember that someone else was winning. I don’t think I want to be one of those old people telling stories.
RO:
Hopefully I’m not (telling him) and he has no interest and finds another passion. Hopefully he finds something less brutal.
RO:
My parents are here and I’ve been in the Games village so we met up (Sunday) arvo but around dinner time they went home. Harvey was exhausted. It’s a big day for him and he likes to watch and be part of the fun.
RO:
Absolutely. We all have great respect for each other and we all know how hard we train. That (helping rivals) is how you want to be remembered. So much of that was displayed yesterday.
RO: IS THERE A CULTURAL ISSUE IN AUSSIE SPORT?
Certainly the athletics team has a great level of camaraderie. Everyone is always up for a chat and has good banter. We’re all trying to achieve our goals. The young athletes coming through are really showing those qualities.
RO:
Both the top two (Montag and Alana Barber) said they really felt for me and that’s not how they wanted to win their medals. They felt like perhaps I was robbed a little bit but at the end of the day they have the medals and they deserve their day. I’d hope in similar circumstances someone would show me that level of respect (to congratulate the winner).