Samantha Murray
British modern pentathlete Samantha Murray is eager to put aside the disappointments in 2016 and launch the next season with a 'positive mind-set'.
After a 9th-place finish at the Rio Olympic Games, Samantha took a break from the sport for nearly two months.
The break helped the rediscover her love of pentathlon, giving her hope for the new season.
"Yes, sure (the disappointments in 2016) can make me optimistic for 2017," Samantha, who won the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, said yesterday with a chuckle.
"I have to remain positive since anything could go wrong and put you off. Just as in life, when you have expectations, you put pressure on yourself. And sometimes you really struggle to perform. Maybe this was my problem (in 2016)," Samantha said.
Excerpts from a chat with Samantha Murray.
Question: How do you look back at the 2016 season?
Answer: I had some injuries this year. But I still qualified for the Olympic Games and represented Great Britain as the number one female athlete. At the Olympic Games I finished 9th. It was the second time for me at the Olympic Games. So coming away from this season I have disappointment. I haven't achieved my goals. I took time off from September to October. But I felt my heart and soul are still in pentathlon. There are so many things I can achieve.
Question: What did you do during the break?
Answer: After the Olympics I was heartbroken. It took quite a while to see what I needed to do. A few things happened recently. I had the opportunity to go to a refugee camp in Jordan. I went there to meet children. I met those kids who were interested in wrestling, table tennis etc. I had a translater with me. The job was to ask how they felt in the camp and what they wanted to do by playing sport. They all said "we love sport, we build friendships, we are carefree and it gives us hope". What they said gave me a sense of purpose that here I was free, healthy and enjoyed such a good life in a safe country. So I came back and thought I need to continue what I love and that is competing.
Question: Do you think the disappointments in 2016 set you up nicely for a fresh start?
Answer: Yes, sure (the disappointments in 2016) can make me optimistic for 2017 (smiles). I have to remain positive since anything can go wrong and put you off. Just as in life, when you have expectations, you put pressure on yourself. And sometimes you really struggle to perform. Maybe this was my problem (in 2016).
Question: How do you plan to bring about better results?
Answer: Now I am carefree, open-minded and have positive attitude towards my game. I am just trying to enjoy myself. I am not too concerned about the outcome. Yesterday, I went out to Pearl, had dinner with friends. I will speak at two schools here in Doha as I have extended my stay in Qatar. I will be educating the children about this sport.
Question: How do you sustain your interest in sport?
Answer: I grew up around a farm and I rode horses. And then I was very sporty from a young age. I loved swimming as well. I was a very determined person from a young age. I enjoyed sports. So somebody asked me to try fencing at 12. I also tried shooting. I contested local competitions back home. I wanted to take up sport beyond education. Now for me it is a like a full-time job. So I graduated from university and now give my time to training. I enjoy my time as an athlete.
