“I wish I could have won the gold, of course, and I worked hard for it but when I lost and I knew I couldn’t, I put in my mind to get a medal no matter what colour; forget the gold and focus on the repechage and bronze medal. I had to focus a lot for the repechage, to regain myself and then again for the medal fight. I won it, so I’m really happy now."
"To concentrate step by step was hard. I often think too far ahead and about the bigger strategy but in Dushanbe I was able to stay in the moment. I felt I did my best and that was the point. I thank my coach at home for helping me with these small details that allowed me to be truly present and think correctly, one step at a time.
Winning the bronze was the best moment of the day; when the clock ran out, that moment. Comanche (BRA) is tough and she knows me well so the technique and precision had to be right."
"Now I am looking forward to the team event after a couple of days of rest. I love the mixed teams. Last year we took bronze and so we have high expectations, wishing for the gold.”
Bianca Reis’ attitude towards goals, loss and focus is impressive and in Dushanbe it was that maturity and calmness that put her on the podium with her big smile firmly in place.