Canadian Olympian Kierra Smith is currently in Toronto gearing up for the 2016 Olympic Games where she’ll be competing in the 100 and 200m breaststroke with high hopes of making the final in the latter of the two events.
“I definitely think that I can make a final this year,” said Smith. “I know that going into the ready room for the final it won’t be like worlds where last year I was so nervous…but this year I’m there to race.”
Last season, Smith took home gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Pan American Games before heading off to the World Championships. There, she earned a spot in the final ultimately finishing eighth overall. This year, she’s eyeing a medal.
“If I get into the final I’m going to be racing to get on the podium.”
Currently Smith is ranked 14th in the world heading into the Games, putting her in contention for the final. While her best time of 2:22.82 doesn’t necessarily make her a lock for the Olympic final, it does put her in the hunt making it a nerve-racking experience to say the least.
“The nerves haven’t hit yet,” said Smith. “I’m sure they will once we get to the village and then it will seem really real.”
Smith will leave Friday with the rest of team Canada for Rio.
“We’re all going to try to get on the podium this year,” said Smith. “We all know that we belong there and that we can race everyone in the world right now.”
