Cornelius Kersten revealed his pride at putting long track back on the map as Team GB’s first male speed skater in 30 years.
The Olympic debutant took to Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval to fulfil his dream, finishing 19th in a time of 1.47.11 in the 1500m, recording Britain's best speed skating result since 1976.
Kersten became the first Team GB male speed skater to race at a Games since Craig McNicoll back in 1992, a day after his teammate and girlfriend Ellia Smeding had broken new ground as the first British female speed skater to compete at an Olympics in 42 years.
Kersten said: “It means the world to me. I've said before that it's a childhood dream come true to be here.
“Just helping to put long track back on the map [for Team GB] again, I'm really proud to be able to do that.
“At that start line I was a bit emotional as well. I was thinking back to everything we'd worked for.”
Top 20 for @kerstncornelius!
— Team GB (@TeamGB) February 8, 2022
How good is it seeing long track speed skaters back in the team?
Cornelius finishes 19th in the 1500m. #TeamGB #Beijing2022pic.twitter.com/l6k5znkaMy
Kersten roared off to a speedy start but despite fading slightly towards the finish line he still ranked inside the top 20 in the event won by Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands in a new Olympic record time of 1.43.21.
“We had a game plan for the race and we set that out, and most of that worked out. It was just a really nice way to start off my races at these Games,” he added.
“The last lap just hurt a bit more than I expected it to do. But it's all good.”
The 27-year-old is revelling in sharing his first Olympics with partner Ellia and he will take to the ice again in the 500m on Saturday before rounding off his Games in the 1000m on 18 February.
“Being able to go through this experience with Ellia makes it even more special,” explained Kersten.
“On the ice today, I left everything there. I can honestly say I couldn't have done anything faster than that. That's the goal I have for every race.”