Fil-American sprinter Kristina Knott isn’t settling for “just being happy and grateful” to be representing the country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“It just doesn’t stop to being grateful,” Knott said during Saturday’s online press briefing with Manila-based reporters.
“Of course, I’m happy and grateful to be here, but I’m not gonna settle for that. I have a job to do and that is to make it to the rounds.”
The double Southeast Games gold medalist will be competing in the morning heats of the women’s 200 meters on Aug. 2 where she will be gunning for a spot in the evening semifinals and hopefully, the final race.
Knott holds the Philippine record in her event with 23.01 seconds, but the Orlando, Florida native knows she needs more power and speed to make it to the podium.
Last edition’s eighth placer in the 2016 Rio Olympics timed 22.69sec.
Knott knows the competition will be tough, especially with the presence of reigning gold medalist Elaine Thompson of Jamaica and silver winner Dafne Schippers of Netherlands, but she is determined to show her best performance at the biggest sporting race of her career.
Knott also believes whatever happens in the Olympics will just be the start of her career.
“I think I’m at the peak of my career now. My plan is to move further and go to Paris (2024 Olympics) and dominate bigger and better competitions,” she said.
The COVID-19 scare she had a few weeks ago also didn’t hinder her preparations as she took it as a chance for her body to rest and recover.
She tested positive for the virus late last month while competing in Europe, forcing her to isolate for five days and skip her races in Sweden and Finland.
“I was having foot issues, so being locked in a room for five days kinda helped my body to recover. They say something’s gonna force you to break in, so I think that’s it. I was able to rest during that isolation,” she said, adding that she was fully vaccinated and didn’t exhibit any symptoms of the virus.
Overall, Knott is ready to make the most out of her preparations. She is scheduled to arrive in Tokyo early this week from her weeklong training camp in Nagasaki.
“It’s championship time. At this point, I just have to give everything I have and everything I’ve worked for. Hopefully it will show in the competition,” she said.
“I’m ready to show up and show out.”