Emma Finucane comes home to Carmarthen after 'emotional rollercoaster' of Olympics

  • Matt Southcombe reports

Welsh cycling superstar Emma Finucane has had an emotional homecoming after making sporting history in the Paris Olympics.

Finucane became the first British woman in 60 years to win three medals at a single Olympics.

The 21-year-old, from Carmarthen, beat the Netherland's rider Hetty van de Wouw in the individual sprint to secure bronze, adding to her team sprint gold and keirin bronze.

Reigning world champion Finucane became the first British woman to achieve the medal feat since 1964, when Mary Rand took one medal of each colour at Tokyo 1964, in the women's long jump, pentathlon and 4x100m relay.

All the Welsh athletes who won Olympic medals at Paris 2024

Finucane said the past few weeks have been "just like a dream."

She said: “Obviously, I would have loved to win that gold medal, but gold and two bronzes is more than I could have dreamed of.

“This week’s been such a roller coaster. I wish I’d got a book for someone to tell me how to get through an Olympic week. I’ve cried. I’ve had happy tears. I’ve been exhausted and to get up every day and keep fighting, I’m just really proud of myself.

“I gave everything for that bronze medal. And I just can’t believe it’s over. I’m pretty sad, but it’s just been such a whirlwind of a week.”

Great Britain's Emma Finucane celebrated winning her bronze in the Women's Keirin Final on the thirteenth day of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Credit: PA Images

Speaking to ITV Cymru Wales in her hometown, she said it was "amazing" to return as an Olympic champion.

"I'm really proud to be back home and be in this beautiful town, see my family, see all my friends and just give back to everyone who supported me, loved me, and cheered for me back at home," she said.

Reflecting on the games, Emma said it was an "emotional rollercoaster" but that she "loved every minute."

She added: "I raced seven days in a row which is crazy, but to come away with three medals, I couldn't be more proud."

But she added it still hasn't quite sunk in that she's won three medals.

"Even when I bring them out now, I'm like, 'oh my gosh, these are min and I've won them,'" she said.

Emma is taking a break to be with family before preparing for the World Championships - as well as the prospect of the next Olympic Games in LA in four years time.

"I'm just going to race my bike and, hopefully, bring on LA," she said.

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