Jenny Rissveds took a new Olympic Games medal.
Then she spoke from the heart:
Talk to people about how you're feeling. There are more people out there who aren't doing so well, said the mountain bike star with the bronze medal around her neck.
Every answer takes time. Jenny Rissveds ponders for a long time on how to describe the feeling after her second Olympic Games medal, a bronze this time.
It's also hard to hear what she says, everything is drowned out by the French fans' victory songs after home favorite Pauline Ferrand Prevot's superior gold.
I'm just very happy and proud, says Rissveds finally.
What makes you proud?
You hear, it's a lot around an Olympic Games. For the general public, it's very big. I haven't felt pressure about it, but you're reminded of it all the time. I've competed in three Olympic Games now and I won my first. The second was a bit turbulent, and now I could bring out what I had from both, put it together, and get it out on the track. And I feel very, very proud of that.
"More who aren't doing well"
A few minutes later, she takes her place at the official press conference and emphasizes her pride once again.
Then she addresses everyone who, like herself, has struggled with mental health issues.
To everyone out there who are facing different challenges, I would like to say: Listen to your body, if you need to take a break, that's what you need, says Rissveds and continues:
And never give up. It doesn't mean you should force something or push on if you're not feeling well. Not giving up means you should listen to your body. And continue with what you love. Talk to people about how you're feeling. There are more people out there who aren't doing so well. Getting support from others means a lot.
The year after the unexpected Olympic gold in Rio 2016, Rissveds stopped cycling and was then away for almost two years while she fought against depression, eating disorders, and exhaustion.
On Sunday, she showed that she seems to have found a balance between pursuing elite sports – something she fundamentally sees as unhealthy – and still feeling well.
Aiming for more Olympic Games
Sport-wise, it was hard to know where she had before Sunday's race on Colline d'Élancourt a few miles west of Paris. The season has included both World Cup wins and more discreet placings.
But she showed that she still holds the highest level. In the end, it was a duel for silver with Haley Batten. Despite the American being too strong in the end, there is no disappointment with Rissveds.
From the second I crossed the finish line, I've felt pride.
After Tokyo 2021, many assumed that she had done her last Olympic Games, maybe her last bike race, when she, after finishing 14th, stated that she was tired of carrying the burden as the reigning Olympic champion.
But she didn't want to stop then, she doesn't want to stop now. The goal is set for a fourth Olympic Games.
Yes, that's guaranteed. Hopefully, a fifth one too. If I continue to think it's fun and feel well in an elite sports environment, I'll keep competing.
Born: June 6, 1994 (30 years old), in Falun.
Lives: Falun.
Sport: Mountain bike.
Club: Team 31.
International merits (in the Olympic cross-country discipline): Olympic gold 2016, Olympic bronze 2024, 14th at the Olympic Games 2021, U23 World Championship gold 2016, several World Cup wins.
Other: Awarded the Victoriastipendiet in 2017.
