Patrick Tiernan on Confronting Challenges at Tokyo Games: ‘Sounds a Bit Weird’

Reflecting on his tumultuous Tokyo Games experience, Australian distance runner Patrick Tiernan initially felt a deep sense of disillusionment after his 10,000m final. Yet, as he prepares for the Paris marathon, he now regards that grueling final lap with a mix of pride and appreciation.

In Tokyo’s sweltering heat, Tiernan faced repeated collapses during his final lap but managed to rise each time, finally finishing 19th with a time of 28:35.06. Initially, he was disheartened by the outcome, feeling frustrated at falling short of his expectations.

“Initially, I felt intense frustration,” Tiernan recounted. “It was disheartening to come so far only to miss my goal. But I had to push through and keep moving.” Now, as he trains for the Paris marathon, he views that race with a more positive lens.

“Looking back, I feel a surprising sense of fondness for that race,” Tiernan told Wide World of Sports. “For the majority of the race, I was executing my plan well, and it was only in the final moments that things went awry. The issue was more with my preparation rather than the race itself. I’m proud of my approach to competing for a medal or nothing.”

Since Tokyo, Tiernan has shifted to marathon racing, debuting with performances in Chicago and Houston. As he heads to Paris, his primary goal is to execute his strategy effectively and achieve a strong finish. “My focus is on having a meaningful experience and following our race plan,” he explained. “A strong finish and proper execution of the plan are what matter most to me.”