FROME’S Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth medallist, Emily Diamond, has returned from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – and already has her eyes set on the Paris 2024 games!
At this year’s games, Olympian Emily reached two finals – the women’s 4x400m relay, and the first ever 4x400m mixed relay.
And despite not winning a medal this time around, Emily has told Frome Times that she is “really pleased” with her performance, which saw the women’s relay team – Emily, Laviai Nielsen, Zoey Clark and Nicole Yeargin – run the third fastest time in British history.
“I had an amazing time at the Olympics in Tokyo,” said Emily, “and was really pleased with how I performed on the track.
“As a team we were disappointed not to come away with a medal in the women’s 4x400m relay, as we know we have a very strong squad at the moment.
“We ran 3:22.5 in the final, which was 3 seconds quicker than the time that won us the bronze medal in Rio, but this time round it was only good enough for 5th. Despite finishing 5th, we ran the third fastest time in British history, and the quickest by a GB team in 14 years.
“It’s great to know that the team is in such a strong position at the moment, and the next few years in the build-up to Paris 2024 are going to be really exciting.
Emily, alongside teammates Cameron Chalmers, Zoey Clark and Lee Thompson, also reached the final of the first ever 4x400m mixed relay. The quartet finished sixth in the final, which saw Poland win gold, Dominican Republic win silver, and USA win bronze.
About her Olympic experience, Emily said, “The Japanese were extremely welcoming to us and the staff and volunteers were so friendly. It was a great shame both for the athletes and for the Japanese locals that crowds were not allowed in stadiums, but despite this, it didn’t feel like we were running to nobody.
“I would love to go back to Japan one day and explore Tokyo properly once the world opens up a little more.”
