Quarterfinal Finish for Griffin in Youth Olympic Games

Millie Griffin's run in the Youth Olympic Games Beach Sprint event has finished, bowing out in a close quarterfinal clash against Marie Zavadilova (CZE).

Griffin qualified fifth-fastest overall in the Women's Solo time trials, booking her place in the Last 16 knockout rounds. In her Last 16 clash against Viktoriia Radchenko (UKR), Griffin got out to an early lead and continued to extend the gap towards the finish, recording a time of 2:44.84 to win by just under 15 seconds.

With a quarterfinal match-up against Marie Zavadilova locked in, Griffin again put in a solid performance recording a time of 2:43.19. While slightly improving on her Last 16 time, it just wasn't enough to get the better of Zavadilova who won by 2.24 seconds. 

While Griffin hoped to continue her run in the event, she was proud of her accomplishments in the Youth Olympic Games. 

“I’m definitely very proud that I’ve been able to come this far. I put out the best race I could’ve, and it just happens that the Czech girl did a bit better, but that’s okay. I’m just happy that I put out my best race possible.” 

Earlier, Griffin teamed up with Alex Watt (QLD) in the Mixed Double Sculls, where they qualified for the Last 16, losing out to France in that knockout round clash.

Photo: Millie Griffin and Alex Watt competing in the Mixed Double Sculls at the Youth Olympic Games

In the Men's Solo, Watt finished 25th and 19th in the first and second time trials respectively, missing out on progression into the knockout rounds. With his racing now complete, Watt was grateful for the opportunity to represent the green and gold and excited for the opportunities ahead.

"After this, and seeing how fun it is in this sport, I’m definitely going to keep training and hopefully try and make LA28 or, if not, Brisbane 2032."

For Griffin, the experience to represent Australia and be named as one of the official Flag Bearers is something that she will never forget.

"It’s been such a different experience to anything that I've ever been used to, and it’s been so amazing. Meeting all the people, this level of competition – it has just been so much fun. I’m so insanely grateful that I’ve got to be a part of it."

Photo: Millie Griffin competing in the Women's Solo event

Catch up on the Youth Olympic Games Coastal Beach Sprints

Event draws, updates and information can be viewed here.

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee