The Paris Games were a huge success for Australia. The country won 53 medals in France, including 18 gold, behind only the US, China and Japan. Jemima Montag contributed to the success. The Australian won bronze in the 20-kilometer walk, and another bronze in the mixed relay race of walk and marathon with Rhydian Cowley. However, it was not only her sporting achievements that made her famous.
Jessica Montag touched the hearts of fans
The interview Montag gave after finishing the race walk is causing a stir. Among other things, the athlete emphasized how much support she received from fans and that Tokyo was less stressful because there were no fans along the route due to COVID-19. “I had a good feeling from the morning, but I also felt more pressure because there were no fans in Tokyo, and today I saw about 30 T-shirts with the inscription “Team Jem” supporting me. And of course in such a situation you want to do better because you know how excited they are and they believe in you,” Montag said.
The Australian also said how important it is to maintain a healthy distance from your results. There is a very thin line between wanting to win a medal and needing to win a medal. It is important to balance on it. To not demand a medal from yourself, but simply desire it, and thanks to this have additional motivation and give more of yourself. And if you don't succeed, then too bad, the sun also rises the next day – assessed the athlete.
When asked about the message she would like to pass on to young female athletes who are just starting their careers, Montag didn't hesitate for long. “I would like them to be aware that there will be many challenges along the way. Especially when you are 16 or 17 years old. That was when I questioned most whether I wanted to continue doing this. However, it doesn't matter whether you do sports as a hobby or professionally. Sports are about unity, making new friends, taking care of our physical and mental health. Sports teach us leadership qualities and dedication that will pay off in the future. So follow your own path,” Montag concluded.
Polish Roots of an Australian Woman. Her Grandmother Survived Hell on Earth
It should be added that the Australian has Polish roots. Her grandmother was a Polish Jew. She was born Judyta Joachimsmann in Wieliczka, and during World War II she was sent to the German concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Miraculously, she managed to survive and then she ended up in Australia. However, along the way she found refuge in France. Where? In Paris! That is why winning the medal in this very place meant a lot to Montag, as she explained in an interview with the Australian newspaper “The Sydney Morning Herald”.
– My grandmother and great-grandfather found refuge in this city after the Second World War. I felt additional strength thanks to her. She passed on many wonderful qualities to my father, and he passed them on to me and my sisters. It really helped a lot.