SKELETON: John Farrow has concluded a stellar Olympic career today with a 19th place finish in the men’s skeleton at the PyeongChang 2018 Games.
The Sydney-sider finished his 3rd and 4th runs of the 2018 competition in 51.40 and 51.53 seconds respectively, satisfying his main goal for this Olympics of a top 20 finish.
“The two runs were great. I’m really proud of the times I put down, really happy,” Farrow said.
While he admitted he was a bit disappointed with not surpassing his Olympic career best of 17th in Sochi, Farrow said he did the best he could on the day.
“Wasn’t to be for me today. I didn’t get that best result but I’m still up there mixing it with the best.
“To get in that Olympic final and represent Australia all the way through to the end, and to do that twice. I’m super happy with that.”
The 36-year-old said he was stoked with his final run and simply making the top 20 was a massive achievement, being the only Australian to ever do so, not once but twice.
“I was really happy with that last run, I thought it was going to be faster than it was.
“Just getting in that final means a lot, competing all the way through to the end – not getting cut out.”
Normally post-competition would include an assessment of his performance, but after announcing his retirement from Olympic competition today, Farrow is looking forward to enjoying his final Olympic experience and moving onto the next chapter.
“Super pumped to just be a dad to my little girl, look after her and be an inspiration for her. Guide her through her life as best as she needs.”
Farrow, who made his debut at the Sochi 2014 Games, also said he’d love to pass on his sporting knowledge.
“We’ll see what happens after this. We will start evaluating after this but at the moment I’m just super pumped to be with my daughter.”
Australia’s female skeleton athlete, Jackie Narracott takes to the track tonight and Farrow shared some advice for the Olympic debutant.
“Stay calm, which is easier to said than done.
“But Jackie’s definitely been training well and she can do all of this. Sometimes the hype of the Olympics may get the better of you, who knows its may inspire her.
“I know her skills are there, I know she can do it, so the message to her is just to relax and enjoy and the result will take care of itself.”
John Farrow will enter the Australian history book as the only male to ever compete at two Olympic Games and finish inside the top 20 at both.
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
