Amanda full of joy after handed ticket to Rio
Thai-American cyclist Amanda Carr was thrilled to bits after being handed the chance to represent the Kingdom at the 2016 Olympic Games in August following the announcement of athlete quotas for BMX events in Rio de Janeiro.
he 2014 Asian Games gold medallist almost missed out on an Olympic berth following her disastrous campaign at the recent BMX World Championships held in Colombia last month.
However, one place allocated for hosts Brazil in women’s category was vacated after they already qualified through World Championship Race. That spot went to Thailand as the best-ranked country (11th) in the sport’s governing body UCI’s Olympic Qualification Ranking.
The Thai Cycling Association president Gen Decha Hemkasri said his association decided to pick the 25-year-old Amanda to compete at the Games running between August 5 and 21 because of her vast experience at international level.
“The performances of our two athletes, Amanda Carr and Duangkamol Thongmee, helped us clinch Olympic qualification. However, we got only one Olympic spot so the association’s board has agreed to hand Amanda the chance to compete at the Games.
“She has vast experience under her belt after competing in a lot of international events. We’ll send a letter informing her to prepare herself for the upcoming Games,” said Decha.
Amanda, who shot into overnight fame following her exploits in Incheon Games two years ago, was understandฌably ecstatic at realising her long-held dream of competing at the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza.
“Holy cow, I qualified for the Olympics!!! My heart is so full! To everyone in the world who has ever been a teammate, a friend, mentor, family member, or has supported and guided me, this smile is for you.
“We did it. I could never have accomplished this without the help of your love!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Amanda wrote on her Facebook page.
