Jenny Rissveds became an Olympic medal hero again.
This time, the time afterwards has been significantly easier than the gold in 2016.
– I have been openly critical, she tells DN.
Jenny Rissveds became one of Sweden’s most popular athletes overnight when she won a sensational Olympic gold medal in cycling in 2016. Rissveds was young then, and the time afterwards was not easy for her. She had a hard time dealing with the huge amount of attention she received, and in the years that followed she spoke openly about her mental illness, and how difficult it really was.
Honest words after the Olympics
Rissveds was not exactly the favorite when she entered this year’s Olympics, but after a super dramatic race she cycled in third – and the praise knew no bounds afterwards. Partly for the effort, but above all for her nice gestures during the race. For one thing, she refused to submit a protest against an action that the runner-up in the race did – which could have given her a silver. But she also helped a competitor by alerting her team that she had suffered a puncture.
Rissveds was highly praised in the cycling world, and despite the bronze, there were many who lifted her as the big winner of the game. Now the WC is approaching for Rissveds, and she describes the time after the Olympics this time as significantly better than after Rio 2016. Rissveds has several times been critical of how athletes who succeed in, for example, the Olympics are expected to appear at interviews and other types of events.
– I am still cautiously critical of it. That format doesn’t suit everyone. It is expected that one should be available to everything and everyone suddenly. After Rio it came as a shock, it didn’t come as a shock to me now, she tells DN.
“For me it is important”
Jenny Rissveds believes, however, that her previous open criticism of the whole thing has meant that it is now not such a big deal if she were to say no.
– As I have been openly critical of it, it feels like I get more respect in those contexts. I am very grateful for that. That makes the concept suit me better. Of course I get requests, but people almost expect me to say no. It’s quite nice, she says.
Jenny Rissveds doesn’t say no to everything, but now, more than in 2016, she herself chooses what she puts up for, and what she turns down.
– For me, it is very important to get time for myself and land and take it easy, it is not so important for me to be involved in everything all the time. But if you enjoy it, it can also give you energy. It is very individual, she says.
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