Cork woman, Nicola Tuthill, made her Olympic debut in the Hammer throw event at just age 20. Nicola placed 16th in the world at the Paris Olympic Games, making herself and her country very proud.
Her Sport caught up with Nicola in an exclusive interview, catching her post-competition reaction and insights into her preparation's to standing on the Olympic stage.
Her Sport: How does it feel to compete at your first Olympic Games?
Nicola Tuthill: Amazing. Yeah, I'm only 20, the youngest person in the field. To call myself an Olympian is one thing, but to say I was 16th in the world is absolutely delightful. I've hit 69.90 metres twice now. I'm eager to surpass 70 metres. I'm very competitive, and being close to the final, I would have needed a personal best. I'm always looking for more from myself.
Interviewer: You only recently qualified for the Olympics. Can you talk to us about the build-up from getting called up to being here?
Nicola Tuthill: Exactly. I've competed more than ever this year, trying to get here by going to competitions and accumulating ranking points. After the Europeans, it became much more of a reality. Once I broke 70 metres, it was all about seeing what I could achieve. Finishing the Europeans was my immediate goal, and after that, I realised the Olympics were within reach. It would be tough, but possible. It's been such an amazing experience overall. The stadium is incredibly full—I've never competed in such a big venue.
Her Sport: Could you hear the Irish fans?
Nicola Tuthill: Oh, 100%. There were Irish flags in every corner of the stadium. It's so nice because many people played a huge part in getting me here, and a lot of them were able to come over and watch. Being in Paris isn't far from Ireland, so it felt like a home game with all the support around the stadium.
Her Sport: You’re the second Irish woman to throw over 70 metres. You mentioned hitting 69.90 metres recently. Are you trying to get over it again?
Nicola Tuthill: Definitely. I've been so close—69.85 metres at the Europeans, 69.90 metres in Cork, and again here. I'm always looking for that extra 2 centimetres. I'm very young; I was the youngest competitor today.
Her Sport: You're pretty young for the event. Is this invaluable experience for you as you look towards LA in four years' time?
Nicola Tuthill: Yes, at the start of the year, we always said LA would be the goal. But as this opportunity became more real, we realised anything can happen in four years, so we decided to go for it now. I'm so glad I did.
Interviewer: Were you nervous?
Nicola Tuthill: Yeah definitely nervous, but you can use that energy and the crowd to your advantage. It's amazing.
Interviewer: How are things in camp for the rest of the team? Is there more excitement to come over the next few days?
Nicola Tuthill: Definitely. The village is amazing—so many people everywhere, and everyone's so nice. The atmosphere is incredible, with everyone cheering each other on, no matter the sport. We have a TV with replays of all the events, and whenever an Irish athlete is competing, the room is almost full.
Interviewer: What do you make of some of the medals so far? We have a bronze medal for Mona McSharry, Kelly is now going into the final. The women’s side is doing pretty well.
Nicola Tuthill: Oh, definitely, we're doing amazing. We've had so many medals already and hopefully more to come. It’s just brilliant.
