PARIS, France — Team USA speed climber Emma Hunt fell short of a medal after a slip in her quarterfinal match-up on Wednesday in Paris, but her Olympic spirit wasn't dampened.
Hunt, a Kennesaw State student who blazed a trail in Paris as the first American woman to compete in speed climbing in its first year as a standalone Olympic event, maintained a bright outlook as she spoke to 11Alive's Faith Jessie afterward.
The 21-year-old pointed out that the event's gold medalist, Aleksandra Miroslaw -- who set a new world record three times in Paris for the young sport -- is 30 years old. For Hunt, there's plenty of time to put this stumble in the past.
"It's not over, it's one slip today but I still have years left in the sport to not slip," she said.
Hunt added a message about sticking through the tough times when pursuing your dreams.
"No matter how uncomfy or scary it is, still go through it, live all the emotions that you can get," she said.
Hunt took the disappointing finish in stride even in its immediate aftermath, congratulating her Indonesia opponent Rajiah Sallsabillah after their race and flashing a silly face as she walked off the event stage.
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Hunt told 11Alive that despite the result, the experience in Paris -- and of being the first to compete in this event for Team USA -- was one she won't forget.
"It's a huge step for climbing, and specifically speed -- first time able to be its own thing, which is amazing, and I'm so excited to see where this sport goes from here," she said. "It's like so crazy, the whole experience... just seeing everyone in the (Olympic) Village, and like 'Oh my gosh I'm on the team with them. It's something I couldn't really dream of when I was little because climbing wasn't in the Olympics."
"It's been unreal to be a part of Team USA," she added. "So grateful."
Asked if she would be back in four years for the LA 2028 Olympics, Hunt said: "Let's do it."