Comments from a selection of Team GB athletes in action on Day 5 of Tokyo 2020.
Rugby Sevens
Comments from Team GB rugby sevens player Ollie Lindsay-Hague following the 17-12 loss to Argentina in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Stadium. Team GB finish in fourth place in the men’s tournament. The women’s competition gets underway on Thursday.
Ollie Lindsay-Hague
Age: 30 Hometown: London: Wimbledon
On the defeat to Argentina
“The boys are absolutely gutted. You can’t explain how it feels. I’m hurting a lot and I’m just gutted we didn’t get over in the end.
“We made a few mistakes and you just can’t do it
at this level against a team like Argentina. You can’t give away the ball at breakdowns, miss tackles and give away cheap tries. It’s going to be a hard one to take.”
On the journey to Tokyo
“I’m very proud of the boys, they did everything they could to get themselves in the best place here. It’s been a dark few months for everyone, people have had it worse than us, but we’ve had some dark days where we’ve been doing Skype calls, being at home, not being able to train in proper facilities.
"It’s no excuse but we made sure we did everything we could to get there.”
Tennis
Comments from Team GB's tennis players following today's matches at Ariake Tennis Park
Andy Murray
Age: 34 Hometown: Scotland: Dunblane
Result: Lost 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 10-7 to Croatia's Maran Cilic and Ivan Dodig in the Men's Doubles quarter-final, with Joe Salisbury
On whether he will compete at another Olympics
“I don’t know. I don’t know if I’ll get the opportunity to play again [at Paris 2024].
“I have loved every minute of playing in the Olympics, and really wish today could have gone differently.
“I had another chance with Joe to win a medal, and we were so close, that is what was disappointing.
“I would have liked to done things differently at times during the match to help out more.
“But yeah, it was very disappointing.”
On injury comeback
“I will see how the injury heals. I will not rush something if it is not there.
“My team think I should be ok to play the US Open. Judging by how I felt in matches here, I know it is not quite as physical in doubles, but there is still a lot of explosive movements.
“My leg felt fine, so I’ll wait and see.
“I hate losing. I wanted to try and win a medal with Joe, so it is difficult to take.
“You have regrets, think about points you should have done differently and that sort of thing.
“I have always loved team sports, I love being part of the Olympic. It is an amazing experience.
“I’m sure Joe will be hungry to come back and do more. All of the tennis players on our team have loved the experience. I just wish we could have done better.”
Joe Salisbury
Age: 29 Hometown: London
Result: Lost 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 10-7 to Croatia's Maran Cilic and Ivan Dodig in the Men's Doubles quarter-final, with Andy Murray
On the defeat
“It was very tough to take. It is always tough when you lost matches, but especially here.
“It was a chance to get to the semi-finals and the chance play for a medal.
“We were a set and a break up and playing well so it is very tough to take at the moment.”
Liam Broady
Age: 27 Hometown: Stockport
Result: Lost 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 to France's Jeremy Chardy in the Men's Singles third round
On the match
"I felt like he was fading physically towards the end of the second and the start of the third.
"His serve's really big and his game's really big, especially the third ball after the return.
"He played a quick first service game and then managed to break me that second game of the third.
"That helped buoy his energy a bit. He came out strong and that's what Jeremie does when he's playing well, and that's why he's beating some of the guys he's beating. "He just blew me off the court in the third."
On his Olympic experience
"I'm proud of what I've achieved here. I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted to win today as well; as a tennis player and a competitor, that's all you want to do, to win every day.
"I'm gutted about the way the match went today. But I've got to maintain a bit of perspective and when I go to bed tonight I'll be able to appreciate that a little bit more."
Sailing
Comments from Team GB sailors after the latest day of competition at Enoshima Yacht Harbour.
Charlotte Dobson
Age: 35 Hometown: Scotland: Rhu
Result: Three top-five finishes maintains top spot in 49er FX, with Saskia Tidey
On today's competition
“These boats are just epic to sail in in those big waves, and when you delete from your brain the fact that it’s the Olympics and these are big waves and capsizes are expensive, they’re the most phenomenal boats to sail.
"I think what we did quite well today was just focussing on doing all of our little processes.
“We call Sas [Saskia Tidey] the air hostess as we’re going down the massive waves because she’s in charge of the kite control.
"So it was quite a good day on Tidey Airlines today."
Giles Scott
Age: 34 Hometown: Cambridgeshire: Huntingdon
Result: Two race wins took the Olympic champion to fourth overall in the Finn class
On today's action
“Much better day. We had a bit of a change in weather and the conditions changed. Yesterday I came off the water frustrated with the way I had fallen out on a few of the big moments in the races, which resulted in two ninth-place finishes which wasn’t ideal.
"Today, fortunately, was different so I'll try and do more to repeat what I did today and forget about yesterday."
On today compared to yesterday
“I got it right today. I set the boat up well, I was quick and I put it in the race place. You know, all the simple stuff. It came together today.
“Every race is so important.
"These Olympics are historically won and lost on a matter of inches and you have to fight for every one of those. So tomorrow is no different and I will try and do the same, well I will try to at least.”
Emma Wilson
Age:22 Hometown: Dorset: Christchuch
Result: Two race wins to go top of RS:X Windsurfing standings
On today's action
“It was really good today, I had two really good races but I was just a bit over the line in the last one. I don’t know, I’m happy.
“I’m just trying to focus on my thing and go around inflatable masts fast and that’s all I can do."
On what she did on her day off yesterday
"Sleep. Eat. I watched a lot of the Olympics actually. Watching the British swimming and winning the gold medal. I’m a massive sports fan so it’s pretty cool.
"I think the Olympics just inspires anyone to do what they are doing, so I’m just going to keep trying to push hard and enjoy it.
Hannah Mills
Age: 33 Hometown: Wales: Cardiff
Result: Third and fourth-place finishes to sit third overall after day one, with Eilidh McIntyre
On starting the competition
“I was really nervous today, I think the first day is always the worst. You’re just waiting and waiting and waiting. We were the last to start out of all of the sailing and not on until 2:30.
“There was an anticipation and also we thought it might be 20-25 knots so we were amped up for some big breeze and then it wasn’t quite that much but the waves were still really big.
“For a first day it was just really phenomenal conditions and it’s what we remember of sailing in Japan."
On the opening ceremony
“My favourite moment was definitely walking in with the flag with Mo [Sbihi]. It was so nice to do it with someone else and someone so humble and an incredible athlete.
"And to be the first male and female flag bearers together was really, really special.
"It was definitely not something I ever thought I’d get asked to do or the opportunity to do, so I just felt really proud and overwhelmed. It was really emotional but amazing."
Boxing
Comments from Team GB boxers Lauren Price, Karriss Artingstall and Ben Whittaker after their events at the Kokugikan Arena.
Lauren Price
Age: 27 Hometown: Wales: Ystrad Mynach
Result: Beat Myagmarjargal Munkhbat 5-0 on points to reach the Women's Middleweight (69-75) quarter-finals, one win way from a medal, in her first fight of the Games.
On watching former kickboxing clubmate Lauren Williams win silver in taekwondo
"She did amazingly, she was so close to winning that gold. That’s one of the sports I’ve been watching, I watched Bianca [Walkden] as well yesterday. They are so close, just one point in it, it’s devastating, but that’s sport for you.
"I watched it on the telly. She sent me a good luck message last night and I congratulated her. So we’ve been in contact with one another. We were at Yokohama University training together so I’ve seen her as well.
"She did amazingly and I’m just looking to follow in her footsteps and hopefully make a final, but I have to take each fight as it comes. I’m really enjoying the journey so far."
On women's boxing
"It’s incredible. Women’s boxing is improving all the time. In London the likes of Nicola Adams and Katie Taylor inspired a whole new generation, they certainly inspired me. To get involved with boxing and follow the path that way. It’s growing all the time.
"I remember starting back when I first started boxing, Katie Taylor was the girl on the scene and she was winning everything, she was incredible.
"At the time we knew which girls were going to win. Nicky was going to win gold, Katie was going to win gold in the 51 and the 60 category but this time you don’t know who is going to win, it’s whoever is best on the day and brings their A game."
On reaching the Olympic Games
"Dreams come true and I’ve always believed himself and it shows that if you put the hard work in and you’ve got that kind of support back at home with my nan and grandad and the great team I’ve got behind me.
"Going back to my kickboxing days as well and my club coach Mark James, they’ve all played a part in it. It goes to show that it can happen if you’ve got the right people behind you and you’re willing to give 100 percent."
Karriss Artingstall
Age: 26 Hometown: Cheshire: Macclesfield
Result: Beat Australia's Skye Nicolson 3-2 on points to reach the Women's Featherweight semi-finals, guaranteeing herself an Olympic medal
On securing at least a bronze medal
“I’m over the moon just to have got myself on that podium. I keep looking at that badge on my chest and can’t believe it.
“It is just amazing. I am lost for words.
“I thought I had done enough, I thought I kept the pressure up throughout that last round."
On her event so far
“Just to be an Olympian is amazing. It is everyone’s dream isn’t it? To get myself on that podium is unbelievable.
“I can’t put into words what it means to me.
“When I am stood here in two days’ time with a gold or silver, I am going to be even more lost for words.
“I’ve now got two days instead of one to recover. I’ll have a full day off tomorrow and rest.
“I’ll get back on it the day after tomorrow, with a little shake out and go from there.”
Ben Whittaker
Age: 24 Hometown: West Midlands: Darlaston
Result: Beat Egypt's Abdelrahman Oraby 5-0 on points to reach the Men's Light Heavyweight (75-81kg) quarter-finals
On his win
“It was another fight, and I just wanted to have fun in there.
“You have got to enjoy it I think. You’re getting punched in the face and the potential is there you get knocked out.
“I love to go in there and have fun.
“My coaches don’t like it sometimes, shouting ‘discipline, discipline’!
“But when I am in my own little rhythm I don’t think anybody can beat me.”
On his journey so far
“I remember watching 2012 as a little kid, just fighting in social clubs and the local scene.
“I thought ‘that looks quite good, I wouldn’t mind having a go’.
“I got onto the GB programme in 2016, when I was sparring the likes of [Joshua] Buatsi.
“I saw how a medal changed his life and thought wow, I wouldn’t mind going back to Wolverhampton with an Olympic medal, I think I’ll become the mayor or something!
“I thought I’m going to stick at it see where I can go. Now I am one fight away from changing my life.
“After that, we don’t settle for that, we’ll try and change the colour."
Canoe Slalom
Comments from Team GB canoe slalom athletes Mallory Franklin and Bradley Forbes-Cryans after today’s events at the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre
Mallory Franklin
Age: 27 Hometown: Berkshire: Windsor
Result: Fastest in her C1 heat to qualify for the semi-finals
On securing the fastest time (105.06) in the heats
“I was really pleased with the performance, the main thing for me being here, is to try and get some solid confidence-building runs out.
“It was really important, and I think there were some good runs going on after.
“It was pretty cool to be out there. It was weird just being sat around watching other people race, so it was nice to be back on the start line.
“There was a hint of getting caught up in the moment, but I am just trying to enjoy this.
“I just want to enjoy being in the village and not think too much about tomorrow, or what might happen after tomorrow.”
On what it feels like to be in the Olympics
“It is really strange, quite crazy really.
“In some ways it feels normal to me, because I have never done a Games before, but I have been racing at the Worlds and stuff. It doesn’t feel like specifically C1.
“There are loads of stories about it being the first games for us. I think a lot of people thought perhaps we wouldn’t perform that well, and it wouldn’t warrant us being at the Games.
“But today so far has shown that is not true, there are some really good runs coming out.
“It is also really competitive and tight, which is great to see.”
Bradley Forbes-Cryans
Age: 26 Hometown: Scotland: Roslin
Result: Qualified into the K1 semi-finals with a 13th-place finish
On competing at an Olympics
"It felt fantastic to sit on the start line for that first run. I was still really buzzing for the second run, really up for it and I went out there, tried to deliver the little bits of the plan that could have been better in the first run.
"Unfortunately, halfway down, I missed gate 14 so I had to go back for that but today has just been absolutely fantastic and so memorable for me.
"I'm just really looking forward to the semi-final for me
"Once I did my first run, I thought, 'that's it, I've ticked off the Olympian box' and that felt really good.
"My family have been waiting a long time, my friends. Today, I wanted to do this for myself but also for everyone that's supported me."
On setting goals
"I set my own goals coming into this event, it's been my first Games and that in itself feels a huge achievement.
"Yes, I'd like to build through the rounds. In this sport, it's so on the day.
"I could have an absolute blinder in the final or I might not even make it. You never know which way it's going to go but I've done everything in my control to be as good as I can be."
Badminton
Comments from Team GB badminton player Toby Penty after his 21-19 21-12 victory over Thailand’s 14th seed Kantaphon Wangcharoen in Men’s Singles Group K. Penty will now face Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, world No.3, in the elimination round on Thursday.
Toby Penty
Age: 28 Hometown: Surrey: Walton-on-Thames
On his approach to the Games
“My approach was to embrace the experience. With this my first Games, I didn’t know what to expect, I was coming in with a fresh mindset to embrace whatever happened.
“I trained really well beforehand, the first time in quite a long time due to injuries and I felt super confident in my body, and good in my mind. I was just excited to get playing.
“That was the way I went about approaching these games."
On the knockout stages
“Antonsen is near the top of the rankings so I can’t look too far ahead. I’ve gone from one quality player to a higher-level player to an even-higher-level player so I can’t look too far ahead.
“I just want to enjoy every match I get to play on court and go with it.”
On the support back home
“I want to say a massive thank you. I’ve had so much support, in all sorts of ways, I’ve got a massive poster with lots of good luck messages on my wall back in the village.
“I’ve been sent over all sorts of videos as well. The support has been amazing, not just for this tournament, but there’s been some tough times over the past few years and I’ve had some fantastic people supporting me."
Hockey
Comments from Team GB hockey captain Hollie Pearne-Webb and Hannah Martin after their Group B match against India.
Result: Won 4-1, with goals from Hannah Martin (2), Lily Owsley and Grace Balsdon.
Hollie Pearne-Webb
Age: 30 Hometown: Derbyshire: Belper
On the performance
"I was pleased with the start and then we slipped down a little bit and then got back at it, I don’t think we have had an easy game against India for as long as I have been playing, they are always tough opposition.
“Oppositions have not score many goals against them so I am really happy to come away with a 4-1 win.”
On how they have responded to their opening-game defeat to Germany
“Overall, for 75% of the tournament we have been playing really well. Even the Germany game that we lost, we felt we had the better play overall, we were just missing that bit in the D.
”Against South Africa, we had a dodgy start but grew into the game and played really well after that, so I think across all three of them I am pleased but we know we have to keep building.
"The next game against the Dutch is a test, we know if we want to get some points out of that we have to be really on it but we are all confident we can do a job.
“We come into every game wanting to win and play some attacking hockey so it is a really good to score four goals against this opposition."
Diving
Comments from Team GB diver Jack Laugher after he and Dan Goodfellow finished seventh in the men’s 3m synchro, with a score of 382.80. Laugher was the defending champion from Rio, where he won gold with former partner Chris Mears.
Jack Laugher
Age: 26 Hometown: Harrogate
On the performance
"It was a tough day. We've competed two other times this year, we had a brilliant event here at the test competition and a stinker at the European Championships and this is another one.
"We've worked really hard but unfortunately people at home just see this, rather than the hard work we've put in.
"Usually I'd be quite sad but I know how hard we've worked, I just apologise to everyone at home we didn't get the result we wanted.
"Our training has been really good, I feel it didn't reflect what we've been training like. It's really hard to explain how nerve wracking compete at the Olympic Games is. It's a big ask for us to get medals at our first Olympics together.
“We're really proud of what we've achieved, this is just a bad day and every has them. The errors were made were because we had too much adrenaline, it's not necessarily a bad thing.”
Gymnastics
Comments from Team GB artistic gymnasts Joe Fraser and James Hall following the men's all-around final. Hall finished in eighth with a total of 84.598 while Fraser finished in ninth, scoring 84.499. Fraser will also compete in the parallel bars final, which takes place on Tuesday.
Joe Fraser
Age: 22 Hometown: Birmingham
On his performance
“I knew if I wanted to break into the medals today, I had to go all in and push the boat out. I did not ever want to think what about. I made mistakes, these things happen - it’s sport at the end of the day.
“I picked it up on the other apparatus and overall I am very happy with how I performed."
On falling off the pommel horse on the second rotation
“At first, it was a shock to myself because pommel is a steady routine, so I did not really expect to make a mistake. I just tried to re-set and re-focus and I delivered a good rings routine, so I was happy.”
On his development
“Even today with those two mistakes, I still scored 84 so I know I am heading in the right direction to where I want to be. I am happy with my progression in the last four years.”
James Hall
Age: 25 Hometown: Maidstone
On his performance
“The one thing I wanted to do today was enjoy it. It might not look like I do sometimes with my straight face but I enjoyed every minute. I can’t ask for anything else."
On finishing higher than Joe Fraser
“I will hold that over him forever now. He did amazingly, he made a couple of mistakes but he’s the future of British gymnastics. He is unbelievable.
“He hasn’t got a weak piece, all he needs is consistency. He’s 22, he has time and I am excited to see what he comes up.”
On proving people wrong
“It was the uncertainly of not knowing where I was. I haven’t competed at a major since the Worlds in 2019 and I am sure people thought it’s my first one, would I be able to do it.
"Or maybe that is just the voices in my head but today I was able to prove to myself and the people back home that I belong here. I am happy with my performance and that is the main thing.”
On the journey to Paris 2024
“It is a quick cycle and a quick turnaround. It is going to be ever closer before we know it and I look forward to the next challenge.”
“I am not getting any younger, I know I am only 25 but stuff hurts more than it used to. I am going to take it each day as it comes.”
Cycling (Road)
Comments from Team GB road cyclist Geraint Thomas, who finished 12th in the Men’s Time Trial. The race was won by Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic (55:04.19) with the Netherlands’ Tom Dumoulin winning silver and bronze going to Australia’s Rohan Dennis. Fellow Team GB rider Tao Geoghegan Hart (1:01:44.81) finished 29th.
Geraint Thomas
Age 35: Hometown: Cardiff
Result: 57:46.61 (12th)
On the race
“It was tough. I tried to start at a pace that we thought would be there or thereabouts for a medal. Then I heard I was 50 seconds down on Roglic which wasn’t great for morale.
“I had a bad patch on the climb of the second lap, I fell off the watts and lost momentum and concentration a bit. Rohan [Dennis] caught me and that wasn’t good for the head either.
“It did refocus me, gave me something to chase. That’s the difference between a pure time trialist and someone who can be decent but isn’t a pure specialist.
“You need someone to chase almost. I’ve got to be content with that, it’s been a super hard five weeks and it just seems to be one thing after the next.”
Archery
Comments from Team GB archer Sarah Bettles following her individual events at Yumenoshima Final Field.
Sarah Bettles
Age: 28 Hometown: Shropshire: Telford
Result: Lost to China’s Wu Jiaxin 6-2 in the Women’s Individual 1/16 Eliminations having beaten Colombia’s Valentina Acosto Giraldo 6-4 in the 1/32 Eliminations. Wu had beaten Team GB teammate Naomi Folkard in the 1/32 Eliminations
On her performance
“I feel I redeemed myself a little bit after the way I was shooting in some of the team round.
“I still had some good shots in that, I’m just happy that I was able to pull it back a little bit more in the individual. I was really happy with my first match, and although I lost the second match, I’m still really happy with how I shot with that.”
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