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When was the point for you that you thought you had a good chance of going to the 2016 Olympics in Rio?
Tore Navrestad: After I got my first World Cup final in Manchester, where I got 6th, I really thought that I had a good chance to qualify. This year has been really good compared to last year. I performed good early in the season and got a lot of Olympic points, and climbed in the rankings. After the worlds I was 3rd in the individual rankings and got a place to the olympics.

Can you explain what kind of sacrifices you have to make as a professional BMX racer to be on top of your game all the time?
Tore Navrestad: Well, you have to sacrifices a lot of things. First of all I'm a fulltime BMX'er, so when I'm done racing I don't have education or work of any type to fall back on. You also have to live as an athlete 24 hours a day. Eat, train, sleep pretty much all day.

How important has your coach been on your road to Rio?
Tore Navrestad: He's been very important after a really tough last season. We made a plan in October last year, where the big goal was olympics in Rio. It's been a really good season and we have made huge improvements. My coach was also in the Olympics in 2008, which was helpful and had a few tips how to handle the olympic games.

How did it feel being part of your national Olympic team?
Tore Navrestad: It was a really fun experience, and I'm really thankful for the opportunity. Everything with the olympic games was huge. The village, the track etc.
At the track I had 6-7 people around me to help me perform my best. Doctors, physiotherapists, my coach etc.. So you felt really special.

Did you get some social media updates done while you were in Brasil?
Tore Navrestad: Not much. The rules about the olympics is pretty weird. You can't brand your sponsors, and if you are posting something wrong, you can get DQ-d. So I did stay low and avoid errors, and focus on the race.

After disastrous test events on the Olympic track, what were your thoughts when you saw the colourful track when you arrived at the Games?
Tore Navrestad: The track was amazing. We didn't go to the test events, so we had nothing to compare to. I didn't like the green tho, it was hard to see where the jumps started and where to land.

How much practice did you get on the track before racing started and was it enough?
Tore Navrestad: We got two practice days, 1,5h each. Then 1h before the TT. You got enough practice time. Some even skipped the second practice day. The track was easy and not that technical.

How tight was security in Rio?
Tore Navrestad: The security was good. Policemen and army men everywhere. "Airport security" on each arena, where you and your equipment was checked. 

Did it feel special being in one place with so many top athletes (from different sports) at the same time?
Tore Navrestad: It sure did. But with so many top athletes, everyone is in their own "bubble" and focusing on what they are there for. You also get to share knowledge and experience with each other.

Were you happy with your results?
Tore Navrestad: Yes, it was alright. This years goal has been top 30 in the world, and got 24th at the olympics with the best men in the world. I'm only 20 years old, and was one of the youngest BMX'ers in the Olympics.

Do you have a moment during the race where you wish you had made a different choice?
Tore Navrestad: Yes. I messed up my TT, did a wheelie instead of a jump on the third straight. That ruined my whole lap and I ended up 30th, which did cost me a hard heat and bad lane choices.

Who were your picks for the gold one week before the race (men/women)?
Tore Navrestad: Willoughby and Pajon.

Ever since you made it back home, have things changed much after the games?
Tore Navrestad: No, everything is back to normal. Training hard for a new season!

Did you do any special appearances back home as an Olympian?
Tore Navrestad: No.

Are you going to put all the effort into it again to do it all over in Tokyo 2020?
Tore Navrestad: I sure will. I'm only 20 years old, so I have a few more years in me. Got a lot of motivation after a successful year, and want to race faster!