Katarina Johnson-Thompson has reflected on her performance at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where she finished 21st in the heptathlon. The 33-year-old Liverpool athlete took to social media to share a difficult update, expressing the challenge of competing while not at her best.
A difficult competition
In her post, Johnson-Thompson said: "Difficult to put into words what the last few days have been like. Being out there but not at your best is such a challenge. I placed so much importance on this competition and it’s taken so much to make it to the start line that I had to see it through. It’s never what you want as a competitor, however I’m proud that could complete the heptathlon in a stadium that means so much to me."
She thanked her team and fans, saying: "Thank you so much to the team of people that got me to the start line and over the finish line. I’m lucky to have people who are willing to put so much time and effort into me fulfilling my dreams. Not just this season but throughout my entire career. Thank you to all the fans inside the stadium that showed up and supported. Congratulations to all the hep girls, such an amazing heptathlon to be a part of with depth and talent across every event!"
Support from fellow athletes
The post was liked by her close friend and fellow Scouser Jodie Comer, as well as thousands of others. Fellow athletes also showed support, with Sophie Weissenberg saying: "You’re unmatched Kat!! Meant so much to me to compete with you again!!!!!" Molly Caudery said: "The biggest inspiration" and Keely Hodgkinson added: "Queen." Imani-Lara Lansiquot said: "Biggest inspiration as always."
Family history explored
Johnson-Thompson recently explored her family tree on an episode of BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?. The Scouser grew up in Liverpool with her mum Tracey. The episode sees her travel across the Atlantic to explore her father's roots in the Bahamas. Ahead of the programme airing, she shared: "From my mum’s side of my family, I know my nan and grandad, and all of my nan’s brothers and sisters. From my dad’s side, I don’t know that much. I would love to know more about that side of my family. As an athlete, my training is very precise. I know exactly what I’m expected to do, so going into the unknown is quite scary, but I’m ready for the challenge."
During the episode, Katarina travels to the Bahamas to meet her dad’s sister, Toni, who shares memories of growing up with Katarina’s dad and grandmother. After the discovery journey, though she faces sadness over missing her late dad, Katarina opens up about how proud she is of all her ancestors, who worked to better themselves and their communities. The episode is available to watch on iPlayer now.
