Paris 2024 Olympics: “A month ago, I would have signed up for this”… Hérault's Victor Koretzky savors his silver medal

Victor Koretzky savored his silver medal in front of the photographers of Club France, a few hours after the race. Midi Libre – Richard Gougis

A few hours after coming very close to Olympic gold, the Hérault native savored his silver medal at Club France philosophically, revealing that a fall could have compromised his participation six weeks ago.

Are you still disappointed a few hours after the race ended ?

When you come so close to the finish, it's hard to accept at the time, especially when you're doing everything you can to get there. Even for the public, it was disappointing after seeing me lead the race for so long. I attacked on the last lap, took a bit of a lead. We overtook each other, overtook each other again, and at the end there was the image that everyone saw where he ran right into me. Then, with my shoe loose, I couldn't defend my chances to the full. That's what's disappointing. But looking back, I realize that these are my 3rd games, my first medal, I'm savoring this moment and I can just be proud of myself especially after what I had to go through.

The preparation was difficult?

There were moments of doubt, I broke two ribs a month and a half ago. I didn't know if I was going to recover, it disrupted training. If someone had told me that a month ago, I would have signed straight away. What I'm going through is huge and I don't intend to stop there.

The heat had an impact?

On the race yes but not on mine. I did a lot of training in a hot room to prepare for these conditions, I was fine.

What do you think about at the end of such a race??

It's more after the race that you think about. We're all fighting for an Olympic medal. The level is dense and high. There are five or six guys who had won a World Cup. You have to be 100% to come out on top. You think about everything you've done to get there.

Did you talk to Tom Pidcock after the finish??

There's a kind of respect between the riders. There's no point being unsportsmanlike and disrespectful because we've all trained hard. It's going well with Tom. We congratulated each other but that's all. He is also in his own world…

Will you be at the worlds in three weeks ?

It will happen quickly but I will take a break, enjoy the family a bit and then get back to work. I can't wait to see if I can aim for gold. It would be a great revenge.

The family was there ?

Yes, my little one, my wife, my parents. I was able to give my son a hug before the race. It gave me a lot of energy. A strong moment. I thought about him before leaving and it boosted me.