Kimberley Woods Celebrates Olympic Bronze Amid Personal Triumphs

Kimberley Woods secured her first Olympic medal, a bronze, in a dramatic finish that hinged on a competitor's mistake. The Rugby kayaker's time of 98.94 seconds was enough to place her behind Australia's Jessica Fox and Poland's Klaudia Zwolinska, who took silver. Woods expressed her overwhelming joy, stating, “It feels absolutely incredible. I’ve been paddling for 20 years now and finally have a medal around my neck.” The tension peaked as she anxiously awaited the outcome of Ricarda Funk's run, which ended in a costly penalty, sealing Woods' victory. Woods has been open about her struggles with mental health, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts, which led her to seek help at a private mental health facility. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of acknowledging her need for support. “That first moment of admitting that I do need help, that’s where I go back to,” she noted, highlighting her ongoing commitment to mental wellness and communication with her coach. Following her disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics, Woods rebounded by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships just days after a car accident. Now, she looks forward to supporting her teammates and enjoying the competition. “I’m kind of glad that I’ve got four days off just to chill out,” she said, while also acknowledging her potential as a favorite in the kayak cross event. Woods is focused on savoring the experience and engaging with the crowd.