French discus thrower Melina Robert-Michon has etched her name in the annals of Olympic history by equalling the record number of Olympic appearances by a woman in track and field. At the age of 45, she has now competed at as many Olympics as legendary sprinter Merlene Ottey, showcasing her enduring passion and commitment to the sport.
Robert-Michon, who won Olympic silver in 2016, demonstrated her prowess by throwing a season’s best of 63.77m to qualify for the final at the Paris 2024 Games. As she prepared for the final, she reflected on her remarkable journey through seven Olympic Games, each with its own set of challenges and triumphs.
Her Olympic odyssey began at the Sydney 2000 Games when she was just 21 years old. Despite finishing 29th in qualifying with a throw of 54.11m, Robert-Michon was awestruck by the grandeur of the stadium and the pressure of competing on such a prestigious stage.
Four years later, at the Athens 2004 Games, she faced a setback, finishing 30th in qualifying with a throw of 56.70m. The disappointment fueled her determination to improve, leading to a breakthrough performance at the Beijing 2008 Games, where she finished 7th with a throw of 60.66m. This marked a turning point in her career as she decided to focus solely on athletics and strive for greater success.
In London 2012, Robert-Michon achieved her best Olympic result yet, finishing 5th with a throw of 63.98m. Despite the pride she felt in her performance, she realized that she couldn’t stop pursuing her dream of standing on the podium and winning a medal.
Her perseverance paid off at the Rio 2016 Games, where she claimed the silver medal with a throw of 66.73m, setting a French record in the process. The emotional high of this achievement solidified her resolve to continue competing, despite contemplating retirement.
The Tokyo 2020 Games presented a new set of challenges for Robert-Michon, as she finished 15th in qualifying with a throw of 60.88m. The lack of spectators and the confinement measures made it a tough experience, but it also served as a motivation to push forward and compete at the Paris 2024 Games.
As she competes in her record-equalling seventh Olympic Games in Paris, Robert-Michon’s focus remains on her love for the sport and her desire to make a significant impact in the competition. While she acknowledges the significance of her achievement in equaling the record for Olympic appearances in athletics, her primary motivation stems from her passion for discus throwing and the joy she derives from competing at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Robert-Michon’s future in athletics remains uncertain, but her unwavering passion and commitment to the sport suggest that she may continue competing for at least one more year. Regardless of what the future holds, she approaches each competition with a sense of gratitude and a determination to make the most of every moment on the field.
In a sport where longevity is rare, Melina Robert-Michon stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. Her remarkable journey through seven Olympic Games serves as an inspiration to athletes around the world, showcasing the enduring spirit of a true champion.