Paris 2024 Olympics: Lydia Ko - Excitement, reflection and determination

As Lydia Ko prepares for her third appearance at the women’s Olympic golf competition in Paris, she reflects on her journey with a sense of excitement and pride. The two-time Olympic medallist, representing New Zealand, is eager to compete at Le Golf National, a course she describes as "tricky" and potentially the toughest she has faced in the Olympics.

Thrilled to represent New Zealand again

Returning to the Olympic stage for the third time, Lydia Ko expressed her enthusiasm. "I'm obviously super excited to represent New Zealand again for my third Olympics," she said. Reflecting on the significance of the event, she noted, "The Olympics come around every four years, Tokyo being kind of the exception. But yeah, it's amazing that this is going to be my third."

Ko feels fortunate to have medalled in her previous two Olympic appearances, with a Bronze in Tokyo 2020 and a Silver in Rio 2016, and is eager for another strong performance. "Time has gone by quick. To have been able to medal in the past two Games, I feel very fortunate about that and excited to give it a good run again this week."

Facing the challenges of Le Golf National

Discussing the course at Le Golf National, Ko acknowledged the challenges ahead. "Tricky. I think it's going to be the toughest Olympics as of yet. Rio and Tokyo had a very different feeling. This is a very different golf course to that as well.

"It's the same playing field for everyone. So I'm just going to hopefully play strategically but at the same time aggressively."

Pride in past achievements

When asked about her Olympic medals, Ko spoke with pride about both her Silver and Bronze. "I think I'm proud of both. Very different circumstances," she says, reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments in each event. She highlights the unique prestige of Olympic medals: "That's the great thing about the Olympics is you're a Gold Medallist, Silver Medallist, and Bronze Medallist, and you're not, like, second behind so-and-so and third behind someone. It celebrates each and every Olympian here."

Ko cherishes her status as a three-time Olympian, noting that it is a significant achievement. "Growing up, I didn't think I would be able to call myself an Olympian, and to say I'm a three-time Olympian, it's definitely something I'm proud of."

Evolution as an athlete and Olympian

Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Ko described her evolution as an athlete. "I think I'm at three very different points in my career," she says. From the pressure of being the World number one player in Rio to the more relaxed and focused approach in Tokyo, Ko has grown and adapted with each Games.

She shared a particularly poignant memory from her first Olympic appearance. "I remember the first tee shot, I barely made contact on my driver. That's how nervous I was." However, her experiences have taught her to handle pressure and enjoy the competition.

Ko hopes to add another medal to her collection in Paris, recognising the unpredictability of the future. "I don't know if this is, like, maybe potentially my last opportunity to medal. I really want to enjoy it and give myself a good run at it."

The growing relationship between golf and the Olympics

Ko can see a bright future for golf in the Olympic Games. "I think it's obviously grown a lot and with anything, I think there always is going to be that time period where it kind of gets incorporated smoothly." She acknowledged the external factors that affected the previous Games but is optimistic about the sport's integration and popularity.

Sharing her personal journey, Ko recalled how the Olympics inspired her as a junior golfer and hopes to inspire the next generation. "When I first started golf, I didn't think I would be able to say I'm an Olympian. I thought that's something that I turn on the TV during the Olympic Games and I see, like, Usain Bolt or a Simone Biles and go, wow, they are Olympians, but I'm just a golfer. But now I can say I'm an Olympian just like them, and that's something I'm very proud of."

As Lydia Ko embarks on her third Olympic journey, she carries with her a blend of excitement, reflection, and determination. Her experiences and achievements have shaped her into a seasoned competitor, ready to take on the challenges of Le Golf National and, maybe add a splash of gold to complete the Olympic medal set.

The round one and two tee times have been released - find out the women's Olympic golf competition tee times here. View the full women's Olympic golf competition leaderboard here.