Theo Bos – Track cycling – Holland Heineken House – 19th of August
What is your strongest memory of the Beijing games?
Strongest memory – four years preparation – one goal: Olympic Gold, Silver already received in Athens 2004, so Gold was the only option.
Now I will travel back home with empty hands and it will always be on my mind as to whether I could have done things any differently as it really doesn’t feel good to have thrown away four year’s of intensive training in one week.
Was your performance as good as you expected?
No, definitely not. There was only one goal, Olympic Gold, it was all or nothing.
Atos Origin has a slogan “For the Spirit!” and that is a message I continue to motivation and inspiration from in order to continue performing at the highest level in the future.
A sportsman mustn’t let himself be beaten. He must consider what has happened and use that experience in order to be able prepare himself for the moments to come!
In your opinion, what makes the Olympic Games so special?
For me it’s the enormous pressure of the Olympic Games that comes from the fact that four years of absolute preparation have to be focused on just one moment. Also the incredible levels of expectation and interest that are generated and have to be satisfied.
What is your next sporting challenge?
First I have to close the book on the Olympic Games, look at the lessons I can learn and then use the experience to strengthen myself for the future.
Which athlete do you admire most from these games and why?
There are several athletes that I admire for various reasons. I follow most sports closely but at this moment I’d have to say Michael Phelps who under great pressure showed what he could do and has made such a mark on his sport.
If you could chose where the 2016 Olympic Games should be held where would it be and why?
Well, out of Chicago, Rio, Madrid or Tokyo, as I compete in the Keirin every year in Japan I’d choose Tokyo. It’s my second home and I know the culture well.
What was living in the Olympic village like?
The atmosphere is fantastic. But you are also able to focus on your competition and performance without being distracted by everything else going on around you.
What was the biggest difference about being in China?
Up until know I’ve only been living between the Olympic Village and the cycling track! But in the coming days I’m going to explore China a bit more and then I’ll see what the differences are!
What was the hardest time during your training?
I think having to handle the uncertainty around was I doing everything I possibly could to properly prepare for the Olympic Games and trying to win gold.
How did you use the support you received from Atos Origin?
To me, Atos Origin is more of a “friend” than a sponsor and I have been fantastically supported despite my performance. Thank you!