Paris 2024 Olympics: “For me, finishing 4th or 20th is the same thing”, laments Jean-Baptiste Bernaz in sailing, no longer in the running for a medal

Jean-Baptiste Bernaz frustrated after this day. MAXPPP – Petter Arvidson

Sixteenth and thirtieth in the day's races in solo dinghy, the Frenchman said goodbye to a medal, Sunday July 4. He will still try to finish in the top 10 to participate in the final race.

Jean-Baptiste Bernaz (12th overall in ILCA 7):“I had the keys, I had moments but I never materialized. I had to attack more and more as my chances diminished. The first race, I lost more places downwind and then I didn't know what to do, I started on the right side but nothing went as I would have liked.

The first goal was to win the Games, so for the second, I'm going to try to have fun and take risks to win races.

I had imagined lots of scenarios but not this one but that's how it is. I'm going to try to finish my career in a medal race but finishing in the top 8 doesn't bring me anything. I'm going to try to have fun tomorrow. If it works I finish in the top 10. For me finishing 4th or 20th is the same thing, I just have to have fun in each race.

We had some tough conditions but I wasn't up to par, I didn't sail where I'm capable of sailing. That's what frustrates me a bit, I don't know if it's the expectations I had for these races or the general pressure. I feel like I'm doing well and sailing like I know how. It must be said that it is hard, that is for everyone, I am lacking a bit of luck and approaching this last round with more confidence.”