SHORT TRACK: Weighing in at just 52kg Deanna Lockett may look petite, but she’s proved she’s a true pocket rocket.
Lockett made it through to the semi finals of the women’s 1500m race after a blistering heat in which she proved she can mix it with the best.
In her first event of the Games, Lockett looked comfortable on the ice, skating aggressively in a tough field, and finishing her heat in 2nd place.
In the semi final she settled at the back of the pack, before making a move on the outside of the field.
“I was really happy with how I started in the semi final but then I got a bit trapped,” Lockett said.
“There was so much passing and pushing it all became a bit of a blur.”
With just a few laps to go in the 13-lap race, Lockett looked to be sitting easily in the top four, but some jostling for positions cost the Aussie skater, who tripped, and ended sixth.
“I would have liked to go further but that’s just the sport,” she said. “Sometimes it’s your day and sometimes it’s not.
“At Sochi I really mucked up my first race so I’m glad I at least got through my heat and feel like I had a good go. I really gave that everything.”
Four years ago Lockett was the youngest member of the Australian team, and she admits she’s come a long way since then.
“I was so young then and I was a bit overwhelmed by it all.”
“I made sure to arrive earlier at the Village this time so I could get settled and used to it all.
“I’m much more powerful now and I can keep up with most of the women so that feels good.”
And it’s not all over for the former Brisbane skater, who took up the sport at age 9, to escape the Brisbane heat.
She will compete in the 1000m event on Day 11 (February 20).
“It felt great having all the support in the stands, when I looked up I could see the Australian flags everywhere.
“Hopefully I made everyone proud and I can do even better next time.”
Katherine Firkin
olympics.com.au
