Paris Olympics 2024: Veteran Marathon Runner Claims Running in France is Going to be a ‘Battlefield’

As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics gains momentum, spectators are bracing themselves for the display of a combination of skills and hard work unlike any other. Not only spectators but the participating athletes are also gearing up to forge unforgettable moments that will captivate the audience in the grand arena of competition.

Along the same lines, a seasoned marathon runner, Koen Naert, has recently unveiled his insights into the challenges that lie on the roads of France’s capital city. With two Olympic appearance already under his belt, Koen’s journey is nothing short of a steady progression. As the Belgian runner sets his sights on a podium finish, he has acknowledged the formidable obstacles that await. 

 Koen Naert’s divulges on what fresh apprehensions beckon him this year of July

In a recently held candid interview with the team of Athletics Weekly, Koen Naert shared his insights about the upcoming big event, the 2024 Paris Olympics. A glimpse of the conversation was uploaded on the official Youtube channel of Athletics Weekly with the title, “European marathon champion Koen Naert: “Training in Kenya is like being a monk on a mountain.”

In the crucible of the grand arena, veteran marathoner Koen Naert has embarked on a journey full of challenges and uncertainties. “Sometimes I think it can be an advantage, in combination with the weather. It will be a battlefield. I believe there will be strange results in Paris. The fact that I’ve secured the qualification mark means I’m now preparing my body for a tough course and race.“ says Koen. 

As he looks to tread the starting line, he is also tempered by the realization that standing atop the podium requires a miracle. “Something very important for me is the Olympic diploma/motto, and that’s to be honest with myself. I know I need a little miracle to get on the podium,” he added. Yet, despite the uncertainty, he remains steadfast in the pursuit, believing that every race is a battleground where the line between win and loss is as thin as a razor’s edge. 

 How Koen is racing towards Olympic glory?

Last year in April, Koen clocked the impressive personal best of 2:06:56 to secure the qualification standard for the 2024 Paris Olympics Marathon. This has not only helped him to punch tickets for the Paris Olympics, but also added to his hunger for medals. Now, he is targeting to be one of the leading Europeans with a top-eight finish covering over 26.2 miles at the French capital. 

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“I feel excellent, and for an athlete, it’s nice to get the Olympic standard [April 2023] well before the Games so we can really work towards it without chasing races. It gives you an advantage over other athletes who might have to run another marathon nearer the Games,” says Koen, brimming with confidence. But now the question is, will he be able to accomplish what he has been aiming for?

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