“I knew it would come down to me and Non, which was the worst thing ever because I wanted this to be us together”.
Advertisement
The pair, who train alongside the Brownlees in Leeds, were together throughout the race and found themselves in the uncomfortable position after Gwen Jorgensen and 2012 champion Nicola Spirig broke away on the run.
“We’ve always said it’s fair game when it comes to the run”. We knew we wanted a medal and we didn’t want to let Barbara Riveros back in from behind. I moved in with Non at the end of 2013 and I’ve become an exponentially better athlete because of it.
As the blue carpet of the finishing straight loomed into view, Vicky Holland and Non Stanford knew a triathlon bronze medal would end up hanging in the flat they share in Leeds.
“It is pretty insane to show up on the day after four years and accomplish what I said I wanted to accomplish for four years”, the champion said. And the first thing I said when I did gather myself was “I’m so sorry”. “I’ve been a bit sick and didn’t know how I would feel today”, Holland, who is the first British medallist in the women’s Olympic triathlon, told the BBC. I understand she will be gutted, fourth is a terrible position to finish, especially at the Olympic Games.
Stanford lay with head in hands after crossing the finish line before Holland picked her up and they shared an emotional hug.
“She is a huge part of what I do and I have to give so much credit to her”.
“It’s very bittersweet”, said Stanford, 27.
Vicky Holland brought home medal no.62 for Great Britain, the first by a British woman in triathlon, sprinting to bronze at the expense of her team-mate, house-mate and training partner, Non Stanford.
“Me and Vicky have been on an incredible journey these last few years and it has been unbelievable to share it with her and I’m absolutely delighted for her”.
Advertisement
Holland said: “I have such mixed emotions”.
