IN a series leading up to the Paris Olympics, we at Independent Newspapers catch up with former South African Olympians to regale their unique experiences.
Today, we speak to 100m sprinter Mathew Quinn...
Mathew Quinn: Athletics (100m quarter-finalist, Sydney 2000
“That’s the magic of the Olympics. After you go through security and then get your accreditation, when you walk into the Olympic Village, that’s incredible, because that’s the heart and soul of the Olympics. All the different nationalities and flags. That’s when you realise that you are at the Olympic Games. It’s extremely special and quite emotional.”
What goes through your mind when you are sitting in the blocks waiting for the gun to go off?
“You try and go back to what you practice, and that’s all about getting in the blocks and focusing on your preparation, and reacting to the gun.
“But for me, the biggest thing I found was when I came out into the stadium. It was 10 o’clock in the morning and Sydney Stadium was absolutely packed.
“I remember our manager coming to me when I was walking through the tunnel, and he said, ‘Matt, you are walking out to a full house’.
“I responded by saying, ‘No chance, it’s too early in the morning’, and then when I walked out I just saw all these people.
“And the craziest thing for me was that I saw every South African flag in that packed stadium. So, when you walk out, and I am getting goosebumps just talking about it again, there is just this massive stadium staring back at you, but you find every South African flag.”
How do you think South Africa’s premier sprinter Akani Simbine is going to fare in Paris after suffering disappointment at previous Olympics?
“His race in London recently was so impressive. He ran 9.86 (seconds), but it was not the time that was impressive, it was the race he ran.
Noah Lyles wins the last 100m men's race before #Paris2024 with Akani Simbine and Letsile Tebogo coming in 2nd and 3rd in a photo finish 🔥#DiamondLeague pic.twitter.com/rNMQNkFzgK
“The way he came out of the blocks is the best I have ever seen him, and he has been consistent with that throughout this year.
“Every year his block-work has been suspect, and been a little bit behind everyone, and then he needs to chase hard.
“And now, his block-work has been incredible coming into the Olympics, and his top-end speed has always been good where nobody can touch him.
“So, if he can hold his nerve, and use all that experience of previous Olympics and World Championships, then I reckon he can bring us a medal.
“He is just in a different zone. I can’t explain it. Yes, he has run fast times before heading into the Olympics, but there is a confidence and calmness around him this time. That’s what I am picking up.”
SA have entered 4x400 and 4x100m relay teams at this Olympics. You won 4x100 gold at the World Championships in 2001, so what is the key to success in relay events?
“You have to stop your hands from sweating! You have eight guys running towards each other, and it feels like this stampede coming towards you.
“So, you have to keep calm and watch when your incoming runner hits your mark, and then get off and keep your hand still.
“It’s the most nerve-racking thing, but when you get it right, it’s a thing of beauty.
“I am thinking about it now, and it’s crazy. It’s like oncoming traffic heading your way, but you can’t move, and then suddenly you have to just go, go, go!”