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Expectations far too high for the Campbell sisters

The Campbell sisters failed to medal in the 100 free. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Roar Rookie
14th August, 2016
18

Bronte, 22, and Cate Campbell, 24, are two fierce competitors who have made Australia very proud regardless of where they have placed.

People love gold medals, but people love people more.

Then why are some media reports attacking the Campbell sisters because of their “shocking” individual losses?

Plain and simple, the expectations were far too high.

The women’s 100m freestyle final started with Cate delivering a slow reaction speed off the starting block. This made her push herself to the limit in an attempt to make up for lost time in the opening 50m. However, she paid for the mistake by dramatically fading in the second lap, resulting in sixth place.

“That hurt. Not as much as it’s hurting right now, but you know I have still got the 50 to go,” Cate said post-race.

With the constant pressure and expectation Cate admitted post-race, “I just spent too much emotional energy in the lead-up and even in the race. I let my head get ahead of me, and that’s not something I should do.”

Cate held back tears while addressing her fans and said, “I love you, this doesn’t change how you should feel about me, so please still love me back.”

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On the other hand, despite niggling a shoulder injury, Bronte delivered a peak performance but just missed out on the bronze medal.

“The Olympics is not about winning it’s about trying to win. I think that’s important. We both did our best. I have no regrets,” Bronte said post-race.

“Obviously you want the result to be different but in terms of the fact we just went and laid everything we have out there I don’t think either of us have anything to be ashamed of.”

The women’s 50m freestyle final was again disappointing for the sisters as Cate placed fifth, while Bronte placed seventh.

“It wasn’t my best but it’s fair to say that this week hasn’t been my best,” Cate said after her 50m final.

“The world got to witness possibly the greatest choke in Olympic history a couple of nights ago.

“I nearly needed someone to come and give me the Heimlich manoeuvre to help me out there.

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“It hurts but maybe I’ll stick around for another four years.”

Bronte tried to remain positive with the final outcome.

“I’m pleased that I got to be part of that final and I wish that final had gone differently but I’m not going to stand around and make excuses with injury and preparation,” Bronte said after her 50m final.

“It’s just not what you’re supposed to do. The only time you’ve failed is when you make excuses for your failures.”

However, minutes after their 50m loss Cate was back in the pool taking her team from fifth to second in the 4x100m medley relay. She produced her best swim of the week, resulting in a silver medal for Australia.

The Campbell sisters leave empty-handed in their individual events but tasted victory in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay final with a gold medal each.

They are incredible role models for any young, aspiring athletes.

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Stand tall girls. Australia is proud.

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