Video: Interview With Emma & Jack Harvey
Swimming siblings Emma and Jack Harvey have spoken to Danté Leverock, the Bermuda footballer, about the “rollercoaster” of emotions they experienced after qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Harveys, who will compete in the 100 metres backstroke, punched their tickets for Paris via universality spots within a few days of each other.
Jack hit the Bermuda Olympic Association’s standard after finishing in 55.19sec at the AP Race International in London; meanwhile, Emma qualified after finishing in 1:01.21 at the Mare Nostrum Barcelona.
“[Qualifying for Paris] has been a rollercoaster,” Emma told Leverock, who interviewed the pair as part of Bernews ‘The Best Interviews the Best’ series.
“The [qualifying] times were first released last March, so we’ve had a good year and a half to prepare for this moment.
“We would have liked to get the times a little earlier, but we’re so happy, and it was awesome to qualify two or three days apart.
“The last month has been a whirlwind; we’ve loved every second.”
Jack said the pressure to hit the standard grew with each passing meet as the qualifying deadline loomed closer.
“You feel every emotion,” he said. “It’s scary knowing every day you don’t get the time, you’re a day closer to the qualifying deadline.
“You have to trust the process, and we both got the time, so we’re happy.”
Emma, 23, said representing Bermuda alongside her younger brother will make her Paris experience even more special.
“I couldn’t choose a better person to go to Paris with,” said Emma, who watched her brother qualify in London and admits “tears were shed” when he qualified.
“We bicker – we’re still siblings at the end of the day! I’m the older sister, so I probably nag a little bit.
“It will be special to be in Paris together, especially with our parents’ support.
“At this level, sport can be lonely, so having Jack and that support makes all the difference, especially when you’re having a bad day.”
Jack, 21, said he was at home in Bermuda with his father when Emma was competing in Barcelona, nervously waiting to learn whether she had qualified.
“We were sitting on the couch waiting on the results when my mom sent us a message, saying, ‘She’s got it!” he said.
“We’re jumping around, screaming, experiencing every emotion you can imagine.”
Emma added: “I experience more joy watching Jack qualify than qualifying myself. It’s more relief than joy when you qualify.”
Jack said the pair cannot wait to test themselves against the world’s top swimmers at the Aquatics Centre – the only permanent venue built for the Games.
“It’s the biggest stage in the world, especially for swimming,” added Jack, who said the pair will be able to watch each other’s races in Paris.
“To be a part of that and to compete against some of the best swimmers in the world is unbelievable. We’re really excited.”
Bernews will be providing comprehensive coverage of Bermuda’s athletes in the coming weeks, thanks to our sponsors Butterfield & Vallis, Auto Solutions, Clarien Bank and One Communications, and this video is part of our ‘Best interview the Best’ video series, which will be highlighting all of the athletes set to take part in the Olympics and Paralympics.
Read More About
Category: All, News, Sports, Videos
