“I value the silver in London 2012 more because it was the highest level test in history, although the ‘thorn’ of Olympic gold always remains”
MADRID, 30 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The triathlete Javier Gómez Noya affirmed that he would like to leave the sport and not vice versa, he acknowledged that he values ”more” the silver achieved in the London Olympic Games in 2012 because, according to him, it was the highest level test in history, and that the ‘thorn’ of not hanging the gold in the Games has remained.
“I would like to leave the sport, not that the sport forces me. I continue because I like it and I feel like it. It is what I like to do the most and I feel that I still have a level to be with the best,” he said in an interview with Europa Press the 226ers sports nutrition brand ambassador.
Gómez Noya, who changed his participation in the Movistar Half Marathon of Madrid for the ProFuturo Race due to discomfort below the ankle, declared himself a “maverick” person, especially when an injury appears out of the blue.
“Right now I’m complaining because I want to be well and train more, but if I look back, I can’t do it. I’ve won five world championships and a silver medal at the London Games, which I value more now, because it was the highest-level event in the history. There is always the ‘thorn’ of Olympic gold, and public opinion always expects the most in the Games, but I am really satisfied seeing it now and it gives me peace of mind to face what I have left,” he said.
Despite his 40 years, Gómez Noya stressed that he still has goals and enthusiasm to achieve things in the triathlon. “And more in the long distance where I still haven’t shown what I can do. Last year I got in incredible shape, but unfortunately I got sick from COVID and couldn’t prove it, but it encourages me to get it back this year,” he said.
Among his medium-term goals is the Ironman World Championship in Nice (France), which will take place on September 10, because it has a “good circuit” for the Galician born in Basel (Switzerland). “If I manage to endure all that I have to train for that day, I could be fighting for the medals. In this sport you always have to train a lot, and even more for long distance, but I see myself with strength and, above all, desire, to face the season,” he said.
“THE BROWNLEES ARE RIVALS, NOT ENEMIES”
The five-time world champion rescues from his work the process between championships, camaraderie, concentrations, the relationship with his coach and environment, trips and victories. “I have that process that no one sees except those who are with you. Because when you are a triathlon professional like me, you dedicate the entire day to the sport, training several times a day, taking care of nutrition at each meal, recovery, massages,” she recalled.
He also has very good memories of the confrontations with the Brownlee brothers. “It was a very good moment for the sport, and although I would have won more races without them, and vice versa, the rivalry with them made me better at trying to beat them. They were rivals, but not enemies, we respect each other enormously. For me, Alister Brownlee has been the best distance triathlete in history”, he extolled.
From the fans and the media he does not object. “They have always treated me well as an athlete. It is true that when the big tests arrive, the maximum is expected of me, but in general I have been treated well,” he stressed.