Paris 2024 Olympics: Jemma Reekie ‘in such a better place’ since Tokyo

Jemma Reekie says she is “in such a better place since Tokyo” as she seeks a first Olympic medal in Paris.

The 800m runner finished fourth in the final at the previous Games in Japan, which took place a year late in 2021 because of the Covid pandemic.

Since then, the Scot has become a world indoor silver medallist at the recent championships in Glasgow and then took her personal best down to 1:55.61 in London.

“I’m definitely on my way up, I think,” the 26-year-old told BBC Scotland.

“Everything’s going really well and really smooth and we couldn’t ask for a better preparation. All I can do now is go out and race well.

“I learned so much in Tokyo. Some of those big decisions were made off the back off Tokyo. I made those decisions to get better and better myself and do what was right for me. I’m in such a better place since Tokyo.”

Reekie has also “learned over the past year to really enjoy” competing, rather than focusing on the pressures.

“That’s what I did in Glasgow and I loved every minute of that championship and I’ve taken that into this summer,” she explained. “I’m loving it all, I’m enjoying it all. That’s where I’m thriving.

“You can go out there and enjoy it and compete to your highest level and that’s what works for me.

“I’d love to walk away with one of those Olympic medals. That would make me so happy. Just go out and enjoy it and do my best.”