![Tori Peeters, formerly of Gore, competes during the women’s javelin throw qualification on day 12...](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2024/08/gettyimages-2165657111.jpg?itok=WgIKO7iO)
That is how Tori Peeters reacted after the Olympic women’s javelin throw qualification last Wednesday night.
Competing at the Stade De France, the 30-year-old recorded her third best throw of the season with a distance of 59.78m.
Unfortunately, that was not enough to make the Olympic finals, placing her 20th among 32 competitors.
Speaking to Sky Sport’s Andrew Mulligan, Peeters said "it was tough out there".
A "tricky" wind had impacted her throwing, she said.
"Qualifying is always a bit of a hoodoo."
In her final throw, Peeters threw her longest distance of the competition with 59.78m.
Her previous two throws were 54.81m and 56.60m.
"I feel like I fought hard until the very last throw.
"I’m proud of my efforts out there today and I’m just proud to be a Kiwi."
She thanked everyone for their support, particularly those in Gore.
In a social media post on Sunday she said she was "more motivated than ever" to attend the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Her former school, St Peter’s College, said it was "super proud" of Peeters.
"You gave it your all Tori [and] to just get to this level takes a phenomenal amount of commitment.
"You are an inspiration tomany."
Peeters started her javelin career at the Gore Athletics Club.
Her first athletics coach, Murray Speden, said he was "glued" to his television while she competed.
"It was great to see her in that setting. Very smart uniform, [she] looked the part."
He would have liked to have been in Paris watching the competition, but health had prevented it, he said.
"It’s been wonderful following her progress to the Olympics.
"She’s extremely good, she keeps in touch with me and comes to see me to talk about what’s happening in the javelin world."
He planned to have a debrief with Peeters on her return to Gore, he said.