“Certainly stronger than I was when I ended [my] career in 2019 where I got a bronze medal in the World Championships,” she said. “And mentally…. Mentally I was perfect. Clear, focused, hungry, aggressive yet completely calm.”

But even though Lindsey didn’t finish the race with gold, she noted that trying was the real prize.

“Mentally, I was more ready than I have ever been,” she said. “But just because I was ready, that didn’t guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That’s the gamble of chasing your dreams, you might fall but if you don’t try you’ll never know.”

For more memorable moments from for the 2026 Olympics, read on…