BOBSLEIGH: The Australian men's bobsleigh crew have finished 25th in the 4-man event on the final day of competition at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games.
The quartet, piloted by Lucas Mata, were unsuccessful in their bid to make the top 20 and fourth run of the Winter Games, but Mata said the boys left everything they had on the track at the Alpensia Sliding Centre.
"Yeah we pushed as best we could. I drove probably the best run I've done this season," Mata said.
"We can't be upset with that. The boys are pumped up and we're fired up so it's really good to end on that note."
With a total time of 02:29.7 seconds across the three runs, the Aussies finished just over three seconds behind Germany's frontrunners who were piloted by Francesco Friedrich.
Despite not achieving his top 20 goal, Mata said his second Olympic experience left his Sochi 2014 debut for dead, describing his 2018 campaign as "phenomenal."
"The team vibe has been tenfold to what it was last time and I'm just happy all around.
"I am feeling proud. We had a tough six months, but this has been the best bobsleigh year I've ever had so I'm happy."
Before committing to another Olympic cycle, Mata said he would have to consult with his fiancé.
"Might have to talk to the misses about that. I don't know.
"I want to continue but I don't know what avenue I want to take whether it's coaching or continuing as an athlete for another four years. We will have to reflect and we don't know what's going to happen."
Brakeman Lachlan Reidy was emotional after the completion of today's race, saying his Olympic experience has been overwhelming.
"I feel unreal the boys laid it all on the line this morning. I couldn't be prouder to race and push with these guys," he said.
"We literally put it all on the line this morning and maybe came up a little short but I'm still really proud of what we've achieved here."
Reidy was joined by fellow brakeman Hayden Smith and David Mari as an Olympic debutant and the general feeling amongst the team was one of enormous pride.
"I'm so proud. To be up the top of the track here with all our team mates, our parents and all of our close family and friends," Reidy said.
"It's an absolute privilege to push in front of them, it's really overwhelming but a really special moment."
The 30-year-old said he and the rest of the crew were looking forward to celebrating at the 2018 Closing Ceremony tonight.
"Cannot wait for the closing ceremony tonight it's going to be super fun. I'm just going to enjoy the experience and celebrate with all our loved ones and team mates."
The Aussie bobsleigh crew are the second last green and gold athletes to compete at the 2018 Games, as Jessica Yeaton takes to the Cross-Country course for the Ladies' 30km Mass Start Classic later today.
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
