Lana Pudar after finishing her performance in Paris: I'm not looking for an excuse, it hurts a lot

(Patria) - BiH's best swimmer Lana Pudar did not manage to qualify for the final at the Olympics, and although this is only her second Olympics, she did not hide her disappointment when her emotions settled down a bit.

"It hurts a lot. Honestly, I don't know why it is like that. I trained better than ever in my life. And I was more prepared than ever. But, I think, these are the Olympic Games. I don't feel completely well, but I don't want to look for some excuse, because I don't know if it's anything or if it's just in my head.

This is the biggest event in the world, it's really different from any World or European Championship," said Pudar.

She also admitted that there was a lot of nervousness, and the reason was the large number of fans.

"It probably had an effect, of course there was nervousness. More than ever. Because, as I said, this is the biggest event. It's really different, the audience is louder than ever, there have never been so many fans at the pool, so it's really a different experience," explained Lana.

Lana also explained that noise can be a motivation, but also additional pressure.

"It can be a great motivation, but it can also be additional pressure and can create more nervousness. For example, the first race I swam in the 100-meter butterfly, I was really surprised by such a large number of spectators. I knew the tickets were sold out, but somehow I didn't imagine it like this, so it really surprised me. Now I was ready for it, but it is certainly special, honestly, one needs to experience this," said Lana.

She also admitted how much the pressure of Bosnia and Herzegovina's expectations of her winning a medal affected her.

"Possibly, I really prepared for a medal and I think I was ready for a medal. It's one thing in training, when I'm alone with my coach and club colleagues, and another thing to come out here among all the Americans, Canadians, Chinese... and all other top swimmers, the best in the world," explained our best female swimmer.

Finally, Pudar revealed that she will not compete at the World Championships in Budapest.

"I will not compete until the end of the year, I will not be at the World Championships in Budapest in December, in order to rest as well as possible, both mentally and physically, and to prepare for some upcoming challenges," Pudar concluded.