THE relief was writ large on Kelly Holmes after her Olympic ambition was finally fulfilled. “I thought the time was running out. I didn’t think that it was ever going to happen. I dreamt of winning an Olympic title since the age of 12, but every time I got close something went wrong,” she said, managing to look both elated and uncomfortable after winning the gold medal in the 800 metres last night.
The source of the elation was obvious; the source of the discomfort was telling people about it, for Holmes is not an easy public speaker. She repeated the word “dream” like a mantra and “happiest” usually followed soon after.
Holmes had been training for the 1,500 metres and so her race tactics, the decision to be at the back of the field until the second lap, were dictated by her strength. “I knew that I had more strength than speed, so I had to stay back. When I decided to go, that line was just coming and coming and coming and I had to hold on for dear life. I think my heart just took me to the line, to be honest, ” she said.
After the race, Holmes was not certain of the result. “I thought I’d won but I wasn’t sure. Then someone from the sidelines started shouting that I’d won it,” she said.
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When Paula Radcliffe was mentioned, Holmes expressed sympathy. “My heart went out to her because I know how it feels,” she said.
The 1,500 metres heats beckon today, and a potential double. “I’ll be there, but I don’t know what state I’ll be in. I’ll just try and be awake on the start line,” she said.