Belgian and Nike athlete Nafissatou Thiam has continued her Olympic dominance, winning a third straight heptathlon gold medal.
In describing how she gets in the zone to compete, Nafi told Nike, “When I get on the track, it’s like I have another personality. I’m confident, I know what I’m doing and I’m not scared. I feel like a superhero. And I think you can see that. I’m not everyday Nafi — I’m athlete Nafi, ready to step on that track and go.”
The gold trifecta is a remarkable achievement for the 29-year-old, who once again secured victory across the seven track and field events that make up the storied competition. Coming into the Paris Games, Nafi said, “There’s pressure, of course, and expectation. But at this point in my career, I’m really able to put that aside and just do it for me. I think it’s time I do those things for myself. I really want to just enjoy, to the max.”
In 2016, Nafi became the youngest heptathlon gold medalist ever, at the age of 21. In reflecting on her success, she says, “When I was younger, I never imagined I would be an Olympic champion. I chase the victory and my ultimate goal is to be the best athlete I can be.”
Jordan Chiles and the United States Women’s Gymnastics Team Achieve Olympic Gold Medal Success
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Nike Newsroom contributed to this column
