Namibian mountain biker Alex Miller suffered a significant setback at the 2024 Olympic Games, crashing due to a soft front wheel and subsequently withdrawing from the Cross-Country Mountain Biking race yesterday.
His coach, Hans du Toit, confirmed that the 23-year-old athlete was unable to continue after fracturing his hand during the third lap, making it impossible for him to hold the handlebar.
The race was fiercely contested and ultimately won by Great Britain’s Tom Pidcock, who completed the course in 1:26:22 seconds. France’s Victor Koretzky secured the silver medal with a time of 1:26:31 seconds, while South Africa’s Alan Hatherly claimed the bronze in 1:26:33 seconds.
Despite Miller’s unfortunate crash, Namibia remains hopeful with three other athletes still in the running for Olympic success. Swimmer Phillip Seidler will tackle the 10-kilometre swim on 9 August, making his second appearance at the Games.
The swimmer took to social media to send a message to everyone who supports his journey. “This journey has been a rollercoaster of some highs and lows, but every moment has been worth it. From coming out of retirement less than a year ago, to making it back to the Olympics is beyond my wildest dreams.
“I shall be facing a field of professional swimmers from dominating countries in open water, which most of them have two quotas each to take the medals home. But as an African warrior, with unbelievable support, my team pushed me to exceed my limits in training for my upcoming 10km marathon swim. It’s not always about the final position and winning, it’s about bravery and determination, qualities I embody from Namibia and beyond.
“This Olympics isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who believed in me and stood by my side,” he said.
Other athletes in line to compete are, cyclist Vera Looser, who is set to compete on 4 August. This will be her third time at the prestigious Games, as well as marathon runner Helalia Johannes, who will feature for the fifth time at the Olympic Games. Johannes will be in action on 11 August in a highly-competitive field.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na