Christine Kalmer looks to 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Christine Kalmer has just returned from the Rio 2016 Olympics where she competed in the 42km marathon, and already she is looking to attend another Olympics.

Kalmer landed back in South Africa on 24 August and she was already back at work the very next day. “I am a bit disappointed with my time – I wanted to do much better, but the overall experience was amazing,” she said. Kalmer explained that the different time zone, weather patterns and the race start time may have affected her performance but added that she was overall happy that she came back without injuries.

She was able to watch other star athletes like Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya and Usain Bolt compete and break records.

“It really was exciting to watch as the crowd cheered Bolt on. It was an amazing atmosphere and this just motivated me to gun for Tokyo where I hope to achieve better results.”

The marathon runner said that she is determined to run a faster qualifying time and the next big challenge she will train for is the Durban Commonwealth Games.

She pointed out that Semenya and Sunette Viljoen both gave good performances and had earned their accolades. Kalmer added that she was taken by surprise by Henri Schoeman’s performance in the men’s individual triathlon where he obtained a bronze medal.

She said that the viewers only saw the triumphs, but not the bitter tears of disappointment many athletes suffer after not winning gold. “All the athletes train for a long time to compete at the Olympics and often it is very disappointing when the athlete does not win a medal,”

She added that it was special that her parents and fiancé accompanied her to Rio, and now she will prepare for the Spar Women’s Race 2016.