“Almost Break Down” – Paris-Bound Dakotah Lindwurm Reflects on Daily Life After Earning Her Spot in the Summer Olympics

This year’s performance in the Olympic Trials was truly captivating. Fiona O’Keeffe stunned the field in the women’s race with a dominant marathon debut, clocking in at 2:22:10. Racing with poise, she surged ahead after mile 18, leaving the competition behind. Emily Sisson, the American record-holder, claimed second place in 2:22:42. However, Dakotah Lindwurm secured third position with a time of 2:25:31. But there is more to her story.

Lindwurm made history as the first Minnesotan to qualify for Paris Olympics. However, recently in a post-race interview, she shared insights into her daily journey, unveiling a profound emotional depth that highlights the magnitude of her accomplishment.

The mindset behind Olympic dreams

In a recent interview featured on the official website of CITIUS MAG, usually hosted by Christopher Chavez, Dakotah Lindwurm joined. She provided a poignant glimpse into her mindset following her remarkable performance at the Olympic Trials. When asked about the surreal nature of her achievement, particularly in contrast to other athletes who celebrated earlier in the race, Lindwurm’s response echoed a sentiment. It resonates beyond the realm of athletics. She explained, “I was just all business in those last couple of miles. You never want to celebrate too early and be caught. So I just felt like I just needed to get to the finish line, touch the finish line, and then celebrate.”

Despite her remarkable success, Lindwurm humbly admitted that the reality of her achievement had yet to fully sink in. “I don’t feel like it is real yet. I don’t know that it will until I’m back home and into my routine,” she confessed. Yet, amidst the surrealism, Lindwurm finds solace in the reminders of her newfound status as an Olympic team member. She revealed, “But I keep getting little reminders that I am now going to be on an Olympic team, and I almost break down in tears every time.” This emotional journey underscores the profound impact of her newfound identity as an Olympian hopeful. However, the inquiry doesn’t conclude at that point.

Dakotah Lindwurm’s internal struggle and steadfast resolve

Continuing the conversation, when Dakotah Lindwurm was probed further about the moment when the reality of her achievement truly dawned on her, she vividly recalled a crucial juncture in the race. Reflecting on the instance when she surged ahead of Caroline Rotich, gaining a slim three-second lead, Lindwurm disclosed an internal struggle.

Read More: “Not Everybody Is Going to Be an Olympian”: Dakotah Lindwurm’s Coach Reveals Struggles of Training

“When I dropped Caroline Rotich and had like three seconds on her, for a moment, I allowed myself to entertain the thought that I might secure my spot on the team right then,” she admitted. However, her innate discipline promptly intervened, urging her to refocus on the immediate task of completing the marathon.

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