Johnson-Thompson Celebrates Liverpool's Impact on Her

Katarina Johnson-Thompson, the 31-year-old heptathlete from Liverpool, expressed her deep affection for her hometown following her silver medal win at the Paris Olympics. Competing against Belgian rival Nafissatou Thiam, Johnson-Thompson highlighted how the spirit of Liverpool instilled in her a “never-give-up attitude” and an underdog mentality, which she credits for shaping her character and resilience in sports. After securing her first Olympic medal, Johnson-Thompson described the achievement as “a long time coming.” This marks her fourth Olympic appearance, and she expressed joy in adding the silver medal to her collection. Reflecting on her performance, she noted that she was only 30 points shy of gold, emphasizing that her efforts validated her team's belief in her potential. Despite the pressures of competition, Johnson-Thompson admitted to experiencing doubts throughout her athletic journey. However, she acknowledged the crucial support from her team, which has helped her overcome moments of uncertainty. “I’ve had doubts all the time,” she stated, underscoring the importance of having a supportive network that fosters her confidence. Looking ahead, Johnson-Thompson remains committed to the heptathlon as long as she remains competitive. She expressed excitement about her future in the sport, noting that her recent experiences have allowed her to approach the heptathlon in a new way, promising longevity in her athletic career.