Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020: Flash Quotes 8.27.2021

Flash Quotes

Friday: 8.27.2021

Charley Nordin

PR3 Mixed Four with Coxswain

"I think it went well. It's a dream come true to have the opportunity to race at the Paralympics. There were a lot of fast crews out there and it was an honor to get to race against them and show our best. It's encouraging to go out and put a good speed down. We're looking forward to the final."

...on preparations and changes for the final

"Minor tunings here and there, nothing too big. I think we're pretty happy with how things went and just going to stay focused, stay relaxed."

Karen Petrik

PR3 Mixed Four with Coxswain

"It felt great to finally get to the line."

Russell Gernaat

PR2 Mixed Double Sculls

...on today's race and looking ahead to reps

"It's pretty hot out on the water. I think it went pretty well. We had a plan to go out early and go to the bridge and see where everyone was sitting, what was the pace being put down and stuff like that. For us, we were in the heat with Great Britain, we knew that they're the fastest boat out there. We've got a big race tomorrow cause we want to try and make the a final and we're looking forward to being able to do that so squeeze our way in there."

Blake Haxton

PR1 Men's Single Sculls

"[It's] never a great feeling to wind up fifth in the heat. We'll be back in the rep tomorrow. So, top to bottom, not a bad day."

Hallie Smith

PR1 Women's Single Sculls

"It was great to compete again after not racing for two years, especially given how difficult the last year and a half has been."