– The feeling is extra bad, since one is so close. You have managed to win so many matches and only need one more say, says wrestler Grace Bullen in her first interview after the defeat in Sofia.
Because it was so incredibly close for the 24-year-old. She led 12-10 with 32 seconds left in the match against Veronika Chumikova. But the Russian opponent secured Olympic place with a fall winner. That is to say that she got Bullen down on her back with both shoulders in the wrestling mat.
The loss thus meant that the Olympic dream was shattered. She admits that it was tough to lose the Olympics with a few seconds left on the clock.
– It’s quite awkward there and then, and it’s quite awkward going forward. Exactly as it happens, one only thinks that this is what I wanted. It is very difficult to describe in words how it is best known, Bullen says.
– What happens in the last seconds?
– I thought “What have I done now?” and “Why did I do what I did?” All the questions buzzed in my head.
– I «stumble»
She told me that she felt good during all the campaigns in Bulgaria. Also in the match, which was still in loss, she felt that she had a good day. But that would not be the case for the Norwegian wrestling star.
– I “stumbled” on the carpet, simply. It is very easy to be wise afterwards about what one should have done. I had a very good day on the mat, I had. I have not had such approval for a very long time, Bullen said.
WC HOPE: Grace Bullen must watch the Olympics at home in Norway, but in October the WC awaits in Oslo.
Photo: Szilard Koszticsak / Epa / NTB
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It has now been almost a week since the downturn. Things are already going better with Bullen.
– I’m pretty fine. I have been able to calm down, one might say. It is now that I begin to realize what is happening and what is going to happen, that is, that I can not participate in the Olympics, she says and continues:
– It’s about changing focus and being calm with oneself, and thinking that “this is how it will be”.
– How many days did it take before it sank in that you were not going to the Olympics?
– It did not take days, it was actually a second. Then you just have to go out. Not cheering after the match when one loses as one does, that was when I realized it – right away.
Looking forward to the World Cup
She has now lost two straight Olympics. Last time she had to stand over the games in Rio de Janeiro. At that time she was 19 years old.
– It’s extra bad that there are two Olympics as a jerk for me. But I try to think that failing several times, but eventually having a successful Olympics, makes my story even better, says the wrestler.
But she does not have to wait until the next Olympics for a potential new achievement. On October 2, the wrestling WC kicks off in Oslo.
– They will see a top athlete who will show what more wrestling has to offer, with spectacular wrestling and exciting matches. They get to see a person who is incredibly happy to show their nation what sport this is, Bullen smiles.
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