Haley Batten achieved her Olympic ambition by winning a silver medal in the Women’s Cross-country Mountain Bike event.
The 25-year-old from Fort Collins, Colorado, had a disappointing 9th place finish at the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
However, she triumphed over a flat tire and a broken wheel, along with fierce competition, to secure the coveted medal in France.
She expressed: ‘I’ve dreamed about finishing with a medal around my neck for ages, so while I knew it would feel special, I cannot describe how incredible that is.’
‘I had decided before Tokyo that this would be my focus. I’ve believed I could excel here for quite some time. I wanted to be on the podium in Tokyo, but I wasn’t entirely prepared, to be honest.’
Pauline Ferrand Prevot of France, the gold medalist in the women’s mountain biking event, flanked by silver medallist Haley Batten of the United States and bronze medallist Jenny Rissveds of Sweden.
Haley Batten celebrates securing second place (silver medal) in the women’s cross-country event.
Batten competes in the women’s cross-country mountain biking event in France on Sunday.
‘ I made significantly better preparations to perform at my best. For me, it’s all about the details; I’ve been learning and progressing step by step every year. It requires patience—there’s no rushing it.’
Pauline Prevot from France won the gold, while Jenny Rissveds took home the bronze.
Commenting on Prevot, she said: ‘She’s been waiting for this moment for a long time. She has participated in several Olympic Games without success, so I’m thrilled for her, especially in her home country.’
Laughing, she added: ‘Next Olympics, it’s my turn, so… I’m happy for her.’
Regarding her competition with Rissveds, she remarked: ‘Jenny and I have competed at every single race, which has pushed me to become a better athlete.’
‘During those last few laps, I realized it would be challenging to stay ahead, and I poured my whole heart into this race. I felt something unique inside me today.’
‘My legs didn’t ache for some inexplicable reason. I had a flat tire and a broken wheel, but thankfully, I managed to ride through the race. The mechanic was fantastic—his wheel change was incredibly quick.
