Taylor Knibb finishes Paris Olympics cycling event despite crashing thrice, Internet says it's 'inspiring'

PARIS, FRANCE: Taylor Knibb endured a challenging ride through Paris during the first cycling event of the 2024 Olympic Games on Saturday, July 27.

The rain left the road slippery, causing several athletes to crash as they navigated the treacherous course, according to The Sun.

Taylor Knibb crashes multiple times

Taylor Knibb, 26, who won silver in the mixed relay triathlon in Tokyo 2021, suffered more than most as she was unseated three times during her ride.

The USA athlete's first crash occurred just three minutes into her ride, necessitating assistance from her team mechanic to get back on the bike.

The challenges continued for Knibb who crashed into a cameraman shortly after being helped back onto her bike.

Two more crashes took place before a technical issue forced the athlete to change her bike.

Knibb's team mechanic, who was carrying a replacement bike, slipped and fell while running to assist her.

Taylor Knibb says 'you keep going' after slippery ride in Paris Olympics 2024

Despite these setbacks during the event, Taylor Knibb managed to complete the race, posting a time of 43:03.46.

However, this time was not enough for the athlete to put her medal in contention, with several riders still to finish.

“We can count them: number one, I [crashed] going around the roundabout, got up and went into the motorbike immediately. So is that one or two? Then I went around on a turn, I think I went down a third or fourth time, I guess, and then I changed my bike," Knibb told reporters.

“My coach told me before my last time trial, and it's very ironic because he's like, ‘Taylor, you do not want to try to go around the corner too fast and end up falling down, because that'll make you go slower’, obviously. So I didn't really heed his advice, super, super well, but you get up and you keep going," she added, according to Cycling News.

Knibb is slated to compete in the Olympic triathlon later with the women's individual event set to take place on Wednesday, July 31.

Internet praises Taylor Knibb's challenging ride in Paris Olympics 2024

As Taylor Knibb endured a difficult ride during the first cycling event, netizens praised the athlete for continuing to finish the race despite the multiple crashes.

"Very tough luck, but she keeps fighting. Quite inspiring," a user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote while another user tweeted, "I recognize commitment when I see it… Flying mechanic."

"Someone give Taylor Knibb a hug. She crashed for the 3rd time," a netizen commented and someone else remarked, "To finish first, you must first finished. Gutted for Knibb... She'll be back stronger."

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