Only 7e of the slopestyle final, the Frenchwoman said she was “proud” of what she achieved during the Beijing Games.
Our special correspondent in China
Tess, how do you feel after this 7e place in the slopestyle final?
Tess Ledeux: Inevitably, there is a bit of sadness because I had big ambitions today. But that didn’t happen. It’s the game of competition unfortunately. I had to fight against myself, it was not easy. I’m already happy to have been able to take the start when I was at my wit’s end. Afterwards, I remain proud of myself and of what I achieved during these Olympic Games. I will leave with lots of beautiful memories despite this failure in slopestyle.
Is it the body or the head that gave out?
Neither of the two I think because I knew how to reboost myself with each run. I just lacked the technique actually. I didn’t know how to adapt to this jump which was a bit unusual. Maybe it was a matter of strategy, I don’t know. The temperatures were very low too (around -20 degrees), we’re not used to that. But I don’t think it affected the result. In any case, it did not impact my performance.
How much have the health context and this very strict bubble affected you?
It was very complicated. I haven’t seen my family for almost two months. This is starting to weigh heavily on my morale. Especially in recent days, with the postponement of qualifying. There, I have never been so eager to go home.
After qualifying, you said you were very tired. Was it still the case this morning?
Yes, I felt very tired, I had a lot of pain in my back. I’ve been a little sick for the past two days. It really hasn’t been easy. And once again, I’m proud of myself because I knew how to remobilize myself. I have nothing to reproach myself for physically or mentally. I think I could have gone for some nice things today.
Read alsoThe Winter Olympics medal table: France tenth
You leave Beijing with this title of Big Air Olympic vice-champion. What value do you place on this silver medal?
She really has a lot of value. This past year has not been easy for me, let alone the past week. I went very far to get this silver medal.
You left Pyeongchang very emotionally affected. This will not be the case in Beijing…
It’s clear, I’m going to live this post-Games completely differently. I’m not leaving here empty-handed, but an Olympic vice-champion. Right now, I just want to be back with my family and enjoy it all. I also want to finish the season well, even if going for the crystal globe is not the goal of my season. And then afterwards, I’m going to enjoy a good holiday!
