Following the Paris Olympics, we talked with Saris athlete and Team USA Member, Morgan Pearson, to discuss his time in Paris and his races in both the Individual Triathlon and Mixed Team Relay. Morgan earned a Silver medal alongside his Mixed Team Relay teammates, after a disappointing 31st place in the Individual Triathlon.
Morgan: So for me in Tokyo, the writing was on the wall before the race. I got sick a few weeks before the race. And I think a lot of that was just over-training. I was doing too much heat prep. I had too much going on in my life. I was dealing with a lot emotionally, with my brother passing away. You try to convince yourself that it's all going to be OK, but in that race, I had no energy. So Tokyo was a physical thing. Along those same terms, the relay medal was even a little bit more fulfilling in Tokyo. In my opinion, the difference between not ever winning an Olympic medal to an Olympic medalist is greater than the difference between becoming a one-time medalist and a two-time medalist. It’s still amazing accomplishment and winning the relay medal was just amazing this year. But you know what I mean.
Morgan: So fast forward to Paris. I was ready physically. Mentally, I was ready. The only thing I didn't prepare for was the crazy river and the current. I've never raced in something like that and I've probably never even swam in something like that. Of course, everyone knows about the water quality. But I just wasn’t prepared for the currents and didn't have the tactics right. I think there's lots of little micro errors I made along the way. There was a point in the race where I remember going around the last buoy and there was a split; some guys went left and some guys went right, which is more distance, but they're staying out of the middle of the channel and, yeah, I guess I went left with them. It was a mistake and I believe that was where I lost that 15-20 seconds to Hayden (Wilde) and (Kristian) Blummenfelt. From there, I tried to stay positive in that moment, but like, let's be honest, with Blummenfelt and Hayden working, they're going to out-bike me. They're going to out-bike anyone.
It’s been a hard pill to swallow. Feeling like if I'd prepared and with just a few little tweaks or decisions in the swim, things might have gone differently. But, you know, that's life. I can be upset about it, but I'll have to move forward and set new goals.
Interviewer: Thanks for sharing that. It's such a unique sport because the amount of investment that goes into a less than two-hour race is unbelievable. You train as much or more than anybody, and then you only get one chance to show it.
Morgan: Like I said, there's not much I would have changed about my preparation outside of having a plan to approach the Siene River and understanding the dynamics of the water. But there is so much going on and there comes a point where you just have to be at peace with the preparation you've done. It's hard because you have to find that sweet spot. I guess I got it wrong, but, I think everyone knows that I'm not the 31st guy fitness-wise in that race. But that's why they have the Olympics. If they did it all on paper, no one would care. No one would tune into the results if they just looked at everyone's training and gave the trophy to the fittest person.
Interviewer: So looking back, was there a standout moment for you at the Olympics?
Morgan: The Mixed Team Relay race was the highlight for me. Having my family and friends in the stands, celebrating with them, and sharing that moment was incredibly special. It felt like a huge contrast to Tokyo, where I didn't have that opportunity. The support and joy from my loved ones made it all the more memorable. And honestly seeing Seth (Rider) and Taylor (Spivey), win the medal was really cool for me. Winning a medal is amazing for me but I could tell it meant so much to them and they both had amazing legs so that was really cool for me to see.
Interviewer: What were some other like highlights that you got to experience? Any favorite events to watch?
Morgan: There's a lot of little stuff along the way that was really cool. I met Snoop Dogg. That was pretty cool. I went to a lot of the track races. The men’s 1500 meters was a highlight. The other race I loved was the men's 4 x 400m. That was honestly one of my favorite races to watch. Because in the village, you know Rai Benjamin? So, this guy’s a big cyclist. He starts talking to my teammate, Seth Rider and I, asking what bikes we have. So, I asked him, “Don't you bike a little?” and he was so into it, he was asking what components we ride and what wheels, saying if I'm ever in LA to bring my bike and go out with him. He's a gold medalist in the 400 hurdles at this point and just still super down to earth. It was very cool.
Also, the closing was pretty cool for me. Just being able to walk in the stadium and see how many fans were there was really cool. Walking out, wearing the outfit and all that. And because of the regulations in Tokyo, we didn’t get to do that so, for me it was the first stadium experience I had. It was pretty amazing.
Interviewer: Yeah that’s incredible. I’m glad you got to enjoy that experience. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us. I look forward to hearing what is next for you.
