By Gus Trompiz
GUYANCOURT (Reuters) – Sporting socks with Colombian colours and smiley emoticons, golfer Mariajo Uribe said she is revelling in a buoyant Olympic atmosphere as she prepares to bow out as a professional player after the Paris Games.
The 34-year-old, competing in her third Olympics, raced to qualify for Paris after falling down the rankings following the COVID-19 pandemic and a maternity break, but was set on one more Games to close out her career.
“The Olympics are such a big deal back home. Like my friends never come to watch me at a tournament and they are all here,” the Colombian told reporters on Friday after the penultimate round of the women’s golf competition south of Paris.
“I’m glad I picked Paris, the crowds are unbelievable.”
As well as wearing her distinctive socks, she has carried a Colombian flag out to the tee-off to lighten up a tense moment for players, she added.
Uribe has shone with her game too at Le Golf National, standing in sixth place at five under par, just two shots away from a medal position, before Saturday’s final round.
A tough course suited to her aggressive play along with underdog status have helped her stay in contention, though experience has taught her not to get carried away, she said.
“It’s going to be a great day no matter what happens. It’s a special day for me so it’s just a matter of if it’s going to be extra special or just the normal, but I’m really glad I made the decision for it to be in Paris,” she said.
(Reporting by Gus Trompiz; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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