After a stunning exit in the Olympic decathlon on Saturday, reigning champion Damian Warner gathered his thoughts before addressing the media at a press conference on Sunday.

“This isn’t the press conference I was hoping to have,” the Canadian said, per Devin Heroux of CBC Olympics.

“Unfortunately my worst nightmare came true. This one is going to hurt for a long time.”

The London, Ont., native fell out of medal contention in the eighth of 10 events when he didn’t record a height in the pole vault, missing on all three of his attempts at 4.60 metres. Warner had passed on four previous heights.

At the time, Warner was in second place.

“Ultimately it was my decision to start at that height” Warner said, per Heroux. “There’s no room to play it safe.”

Warner was very emotional in an interview with Scott Russell of CBC Olympics.

The two-time Olympic medal winner then opted to withdraw from the event after the pole vault.

Warner, 34, said he plans to compete at the 2025 world track and field championships in Japan. He said he does not have a long-term plan.

“I wasn’t good enough yesterday,” said Warner. “There were a lot of emotions yesterday.”

Canadian decathlete Damian Warner recently reflected on his experience competing in the Olympic decathlon, describing it as a challenging test of both physical and mental strength. Warner, who won the bronze medal in the event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, shared his thoughts on the grueling two-day competition that consists of ten track and field events.

The decathlon is widely considered one of the most demanding events in athletics, requiring athletes to excel in a variety of disciplines including sprinting, jumping, throwing, and endurance events. Warner, who has been competing in the decathlon for over a decade, spoke about the mental and physical toll that the event takes on athletes.

In an interview following his bronze medal win, Warner discussed the mental fortitude required to compete in the decathlon, stating that “it’s not just about being physically strong, but also mentally tough.” He emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the competition, despite the physical exhaustion that comes with competing in ten events over two days.

Warner also spoke about the physical challenges of the decathlon, noting that athletes must be in peak physical condition to excel in all ten events. He highlighted the importance of proper training and preparation leading up to the competition, as well as the need for recovery and rest between events during the two-day competition.

Despite the challenges of competing in the decathlon, Warner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage and compete against some of the best athletes in the world. He credited his coaches, teammates, and support staff for helping him achieve success in the event, and expressed pride in bringing home a bronze medal for his country.

Overall, Damian Warner’s reflections on his experience in the Olympic decathlon shed light on the demanding nature of the event and the dedication required to succeed at the highest level of athletics. His words serve as a reminder of the mental and physical resilience needed to excel in a sport as challenging as the decathlon.