GRAINGER’S LAST HURRAH
and other athletes who have longevity that keeps you going forward even when the knocks come. I’ve always liked a challenge. It was a massive privilege going in four years ago as favourites for Olympic gold, but now I’m on the other end of the spectrum. This time, we’re going out there to do something that a lot of people don’t believe is possible, so that’s always an incentive.”
WHEN Grainger returned to the sport two years ago, she knew that if the hunger had gone, she would not make it to Rio. But it was, and she travels to Rio knowing that if she returns with a medal, she will become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian.
Her and Thornley’s results this season suggest a medal is a long shot, but Grainger has not become a four-time Olympic medallist and six-time world champion without possessing that exceptional desire to come out on top.
“We’ve not defined what result would be considered a success,” she says. “But from my very first international race, I’ve always believed it’s possible to win. Nobody has their name on any of those Rio medals yet and absolutely, we’re going out there to try to win that race. But even when we get to Rio, we’ll very much be taking it one day at a time and one race at a time.”
Grainger may be an old hand at the Olympic experience but the excitement about representing Team GB remains undimmed. While she refuses to make any declarations about retirement, she does admit that, more than likely, Rio will be her final Olympic outing.
“The Olympics is by far the biggest thing you can be part of as an athlete, so I don’t think it matters if it’s your first Games or your 10th, it’s always so special and so exciting,” she says. “I’m not making any decisions about my future just yet but I would say I’d be very surprised if I turned up again in Olympic kit after Rio.” 26
Athletics From August 17 The Commonwealth silver medallist faces tough opposition in an 800m field that includes the controversial South African Caster Semenya, but she proved in Glasgow that she can peak for the big race no matter how adverse the circumstances.
I’ve been challenged in a way I didn’t expect to be and haven’t been before. Although it’s not been easy, I’ll look back on these past couple of years and know I’ve benefited from them
26
Swimming From August 8 A 400m individual medley winner at the last two Commonwealth Games, Miley was fifth in the same event at London 2012 and is also a former world silver medallist. She will also compete in the 200m IM and will be an invaluable member of the freestyle relay squad.