Sebastian Rieder from Tokyo
Black day for David Graf and Zoé Claessens. Instead of celebrating a medal, the two BMX professionals have to deal with a bitter disappointment. Graf, who wanted to fulfill his dream of precious metal at his last Olympic Games, was hit particularly hard – but failed in the semifinals.
“It’s extremely bitter,” says Graf with tears in his eyes, “I’ve been working towards this goal for five years, and now everything is suddenly gone.”
In the second of three races, fate was not kind to Graf. Already in the first corner his front tire hit a pebble, which led to a massive loss of air. «That is extremely bitter. I’ve never had a flat tire in a race in my life. “
Graf was hit hard the day before. The 31-year-old from Winterthur falls during training and bruises his back. In the race itself, he lacks the self-confidence to pull through after the start.
US star in the hospital
In races 1 and 3 he then has almost no chance. “The second hill is extremely dangerous. I lacked self-confidence there. I probably hesitated too hard, ”says Graf, who at least has a World Cup ahead of him at the end of his career this summer.
Zoé Claessens, who was unable to compete for the medals after a spectacular fall, had to put up with a lot. Shortly after the start, the 20-year-old from western Switzerland got into a slanting position during a jump and also knocked down a competitor – but both got away with scratches.
The semi-final day was overshadowed by a hospital admission. The 28-year-old US star Connor Fields slammed sideways on the ground after a duel in the air and was then knocked over.
Summer Olympics in Tokyo
The 32nd Summer Olympics will take place from July 23 to August 8, 2021 in the Japanese capital, Tokyo. All information about the opening, broadcast, competition dates, disciplines, innovations, venues and mascots can be found in the large overview.
The 32nd Summer Olympics will take place from July 23 to August 8, 2021 in the Japanese capital, Tokyo. All information about the opening, broadcast, competition dates, disciplines, innovations, venues and mascots can be found in the large overview.
Everything about the Olympics