2024-08-02 10:00:02
Smith, who picked up her second Games medal after clinching gold in the 100m breaststroke, confirmed her retirement following the competition.
“I think I’m a very fortunate athlete. I think a lot of people dream and hope to get what I have but, for me, it was never about the medals,” she said. “It’s always just trying to challenge myself, push myself, and that race was exactly that. It’s pushing and that fight and that competitiveness.
“That was an amazing race, so to end it off with a silver, but with a fight. That’s the best way to end it.”
Smith finished sharing that she hasn’t given up on the Olympic spirit. “You’ll probably see me at the next Olympics, but on the staff,” she said. “I would love to just experience that as a spectator.”
Schouten is only the second swimmer from The Netherlands to make an Olympic final in the 200m breaststroke. She was rewarded with her first Olympic medal.
Schouten was still in shock as she spoke to reporters following the competition, saying, “It feels a bit unreal. I don’t really know how to explain it. I am happy and I am really shocked. I don’t think it has really kicked in as yet. I feel a little weird, I can’t wait for the ceremony, and then I think everything will kick in. I will see my parents and coach, and then it will start to feel real. I am like, did this really happen or is it a dream?”
This also marks the final individual event for three-time Team USA Olympian Lilly King, who finished in eighth and had previously announced that she won’t be making an Olympic bid for LA 2028.
