Jemima Montag’s burgeoning reputation as a consummate big-event performer should stand her in good stead when the 20km walks open the track and field competition at the Paris Olympics.
Since she won the first of two Commonwealth Games titles as a callow 20-year-old in 2018, Montag has had a happy habit of getting it done on the big stage.
She was sixth on her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, won another Commonwealth gold in 2022 and has improved from 10th to fourth to the silver-medal position at the past three world championships.
“In recent weeks, that big-event reputation has made me feel like there is pressure to go again,” the 26-year-old Montag told AAP.
“But I’m looking to interpret it as evidence that all of my past performances, all those times in the top six and being on the podium last year in Budapest, demonstrates that it’s likely to happen again; that I have what it takes.
“So when the anticipation and the what-ifs come into my mind I need to lean into that string of great major championship performances for confidence.”
Standing in Montag’s way is a Paris field including defending Olympic gold medallist Antonella Palmisano of Italy, dual world champ Kimberly Garcia Leon from Peru and three well-credentialled Chinese walkers.
Montag is thrilled the walks are on the opening day of the athletics competition on Thursday, just as they were at last year’s world titles in Budapest.
“Getting the silver medal then felt like I was really setting the tone for the whole team,” said the Victorian.
“We ended up winning the six medals and it would be cool to have that opportunity again.”
Rebecca Henderson and Olivia Sandery will join Montag in the women’s 20km walk while Australia also has a full contingent of three – Rhydian Cowley, Declan Tingay and Kyle Swan – in the men’s race.
Montag and three of the other Australians will also contest the new Olympic event, the mixed marathon walk relay, later in the Games.
But first things first in the 20km individual events.
“I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed at the Tokyo Games and not having a lot of confidence around those women, because I hadn’t raced them much, especially coming from Australia in the middle of a pandemic,” said Montag.
“I really didn’t know where I stood.
“But now I’ve had another three years racing against them, I know what cards might be dealt, what moves people might make, where other people’s strengths and weaknesses are.
“It means you’re able to make better decisions out there when the heat is on.
“Last year in Budapest I proved my change of pace ability after the 15K mark and my mental toughness.
“So if I’m up there in the lead pack in the dying moments of the race here then the others will remember that and feel nervous.”
The 20km walks take place on Thursday morning over a 1km course at the Trocadero.
Source Agencies
