Emma Harvey: Olympic Debut Was ‘Amazing’

July 29, 2024 | 0 Comments

Bermuda swimmer Emma Harvey said making her debut at the Olympic Games was “100 per cent” worth a lifetime of hard work.

Harvey competed in the women’s 100 metres backstroke heats at the Paris La Défense Arena today [July 29], finishing eighth in heat four in 1min 01.78sec. She placed 23rd overall.

“My first Olympics have exceeded my expectations,” Harvey told Bernews. “I came 23rd at my first Olympics and I’m proud of that.

“Although I didn’t achieve a semi-final, I believe it’s within my capabilities. That’s the goal for the next Olympics.

“As I was walking out, I dropped one of my socks and in the process of turning around, I got to look at the arena and see my family and friends sitting there. That was amazing.”

Harvey, whose personal best is 1:01.21, added: “I was a little bit off my best, but when you look across the board, I don’t know anyone who did a personal best.

“It’s so hard to repeat what you can do in qualifying and the actual race because of the pressure. The atmosphere is so exciting – it’s actually hard to stay calm.”

The swimmer, who celebrated her birthday at the Olympic Village last week, was cheered on by more than a dozen family and friends clad in pink Bermuda shirts, with the supporters also cheering on her brother Jack who competed yesterday.

“I was nervous, but then I thought, ‘Whatever happens, it’s an Olympic Games, and I’m so proud to be here,” she added.

“The cool thing about Bermuda is that your friends became part of your family – it’s such a small island.

“I’ve grown up with so many of those people in the stands and I know they’ve been tearing up!

“It makes me so emotional and it’s so cool to have to have them here. The pink shirts certainly stand out!”

Some of the supporters out this morning in Paris to support Emma Harvey: