TOKYO - Athlete Liemarvin Bonevacia is thrilled after reaching the 400m final. The Curaçao-born sprinter, who was the fastest to reach the final battle, hopes that children will get inspiration from his historic final place.
"This is a dream", the overjoyed Bonevacia said to Dutch NOS after the denouement in the 400 meters. "From 2010, when I first saw the 400 meters at the Olympics with Jeremy Wariner, I dreamed of this. I have no words for this."
The 32-year-old Bonevacia is the first Dutchman ever to reach the final in the 400 meters. The sprinter finished third in his semifinal, but his time of 44.62 seconds (a new Dutch record) was enough to be one of the two fastest runners.
"I worked very hard for this. I did everything I could," said Bonevacia, who then extensively thanked his coaches, the Netherlands and Curaçao for their support. "I don't know how to say it, but I'm happy, man."
'Just dream, dream and dream'
Bonevacia, who was an independent competitor at the 2012 London Games, hopes he has encouraged people to pursue their dreams. "We are top athletes and have to deliver when we have to. And I can do that."
"I'm doing this to be an inspiration to all the kids. Just dream, dream and dream, and it will come true. I'm in the top eight in the world and we don't know what's going to happen in the final."
The final of the 400 meters is scheduled for next Thursday. Bonevacia will start in lane two. Reigning world champion Steven Gardiner is the big favorite for the Olympic title in the section.