SKELETON: It wasn't how she planned her Olympic debut to go but Jackie Narracott remains proud of her 16th place finish in the women's skeleton at the PyeongChang 2018.
In a hotly contested field, the Queenslander put down a constant four runs to finish the 2018 Games, but the times were slower than the 26-year-old was expecting.
"Pretty devastating. That’s not how I thought that four and final run would go," Narracott said of her 52.82 fourth run.
"I made some mistakes on the track and just couldn't recover, so I am very disappointed by that."
Narracott who picked up the sport of skeleton in 2012 tried to see positives in what proved to be a very emotional two days of racing.
"I’m disappointed but I’m still excited to be here. That was step one - to get to my first Olympic Games."
"I am in a better position than I was this time last year. That’s just not how I thought those four runs would go but that’s the Olympics I guess."
The final run saw Great Britain's Lizzy Yarnold nab the top spot on the podium, followed by Germany's Jacqueline Loelling in second and Team GB's Laura Deas in 3rd.
Following in her family's footsteps, Narracott drew her inspiration from her uncle, Paul who was the first Australian to compete at both a Winter and Summer Olympic Games - at the 1984 Games in Athletes and 1992 Games in Bobsleigh.
"During the week uncle Paul was definitely on my mind," Narracott said.
"Today being race day it was all about business. He did send my Dad a message yesterday saying good luck and be passed that on so it’s amazing to have that family support."
Despite being frustrated with her own performance, Narracott praised her partner, Dom Parson who claimed Great Britain's first Olympic medal - a bronze in the men's skeleton last night.
"I saw Dom for about 10 mins after he got his medal but I’m really proud of him. It’s a huge achievement."
At 26-years-old, Narracott will take some time to reflect on her 2018 Olympic campaign and decide on whether another Olympic Games is in her future.
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
