Erica Hawley On Her Olympic Debut
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Erica Hawley said she soaked up as much atmosphere and knowledge as she could from her Olympic debut in the women’s triathlon at the Paris Games today [July 31].
Hawley, who finished 41st in 2hr 2min 55sec, said she had a few nerves before the race but soon settled when she saw the dozens of Bermudians dotted around the course cheering her on.
“My main goal was to finish the race and enjoy the experience,” Hawley told Bernews. “It’s so cool to be an Olympian.
“I woke up this morning, and I was so nervous. I’m not usually this nervous before a race.
“There were so many Bermuda flags and people shouting encouragement. I was trying to enjoy it and smile until the final lap of the run when it really hurt!
“It’s a great experience, and I haven’t had many opportunities to race at this level.
“It’s definitely different to racing World Cup! [the second tier of the sport behind second tier the World Triathlon Championship Series [WTSC].”
The 26-year-old said she hopes to get more WTCS races under her belt next year as she looks towards reaching the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
“This Olympics was all about qualifying,” she added. “I had a crazy schedule to get here. That was my best pathway [to qualify].
“The focus next year and leading into the LA Games will be the WTCS races. I’ve only done one in the past 12 months. I feel like I learned a lot today.”
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