Rio Olympics 2016: Emma Moffatt says London triathlon crash reason for historic third Games attempt

AT the time it was painful, bloody and shattering but in hindsight a triathlon crash at the London Olympics could help extend Australia’s medal streak at the Rio Games.

Gold Coast triathlete Emma Moffatt in bike transition.

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AT the time it was painful, bloody and shattering but in hindsight a triathlon crash at the London Olympics could help extend Australia’s medal streak at the Rio Games.

Triathlon accident victim Emma Moffatt admits she would have hung up her swimsuit and quit the sport if she hadn’t crashed out of the London Games.

And the former multiple world champion, racing for a spot on the plane to Rio in Saturday’s Jewel world championship series race on the Gold Coast, says in hindsight the crash might have been the best things for her career — and medal prospects.

Gold Coast triathlete Emma Moffatt in bike transition.

“I’m certainly in a better mindset now that I was and enjoying things much more,’’ said Moffatt, bidding to become the first female triathlete to represent at three Olympics in Rio.

“Hopefully that will take me to a new level.’’

Moffat is part of Australia’s streak of winning a medal in every triathlon race for women raced at the Olympics.

She and Emma Snowsill are also part of history as the only two Australians to share an Olympic podium after Snowsill’ gold and Moffatt’s bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Four years later in London Moffatt was a contender to become our first multiple Olympic medallist when she crashed on the bike course as teammate Erin Densham raced to a bronze medal.

The Gold Coast based triathlete said the crash has left her withy furnished business to achieve if she makes the team to Rio.

Another motivate factor is her boyfriend, Daniel Bowker has made his first Olympics on the Australian kayaking team.

“We want to share the experience together,” she said.

Hoping to be on the plane together to Rio. Ashleigh Gentle and Emma Moffatt.

Moffatt and Ashleigh Gentle, attempting to make her first Olympic team, are favourites to jostle for the one automatic spot on offer to the Games to the first Australian to finish in the top 10 in Saturdays 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.

There are three spits for Australian women at the Olympics with the remaining positions at the discretion of selectors.

Aaron Royle is the only man nominated for Rio to date but could be joined by a teammate if any Australian managed to be the first over the line and in the top 10 on Saturday.

Twitter: @amandalulham AND @SwoopScoop

Originally published as Rio Olympics 2016: Emma Moffatt says London triathlon crash reason for historic third Games attempt