Natalya Diehm has kicked off her celebrations with a beer and some Maccas after the Australian BMX star won a surprise Olympic bronze medal.
The 26-year-old once considered quitting after undergoing five surgeries to repair her battered knee, suffering dislocated shoulders and broken wrists and elbows, and battling funding problems.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie medallist sinks beer live on camera before mum’s Maccas run.
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But persistence paid off in Paris when she made history as the first Australian woman to take out a BMX freestyle medal in any major competition.
“We’ve never medalled at a World Cup event at all,” Diehm said.
“So to do it here on the biggest world stage, that’s going down in history. I’ve written history today. That’s insane. I look at it as a rose gold. It’s beautiful, I think it’s even better than the gold, I’m not going to lie.”
Diehm’s mum Tamara, who celebrated her birthday this week, was at the La Concorde skate park to give her a congratulatory hug.
But that was one of the last free moments for Diehm, whose bronze ensured she would soon be walked through a seemingly endless round of official proceedings and media duties.
“Mum’s off to Maccas to get me some nuggets because I thought it was just the easiest thing to get,” Diehm said.
“Some nuggets and chips, sweet and sour sauce I hope they’ve got that here. I haven’t eaten since breakfast because it’s been such a wild day.
“And then to celebrate tonight I thought we would be in for an all-nighter, going hard, but I think I’m in for an all-nighter of media.
“I’m not sure, I can’t wait to get back to Australia and celebrate with all my loved ones and my girlfriend.”
In spite of her hunger Diehm was in no rush to get back to the Olympic Village and tuck into food offerings that have been heavily criticised throughout the week.
“I do not want to go back into the village and eat that again. I’m stoked with my Maccas,” she said.
Diehm finished her press conference and ate while mum Tamara took over and shared her pride.
The takeaway washed down a beer given to Diehm during her presser.
“I’m not a beer drinker but I’ll do it, I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna do it for everyone,” she said.
“Thought about doing a shoey but probably not appropriate, huh?”
Diehm finished the BMX final on the podium on the back of a first-run score of 88.80 that held up when her main threats slipped.
One of those was American Hannah Roberts, leaving China’s Yawen Deng (92.60) to take gold from American silver medallist Perris Benegas (90.70).
“It was definitely one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life,” Diehm said.
“Hannah Roberts is one of my best friends, and I know how good she is.
“I just didn’t know which way it was going to go and didn’t want to wish bad on anyone. But I wanted that podium so bad. I can’t believe it’s here.”
Diehm conceded she does not know if she will return to Olympic competition at Los Angeles 2028, but the Queenslander said she hopes to be at Brisbane 2032 — as a coach.
“I’m going to enjoy this moment, I’m going to soak it in. We’ve got world championships in December so hopefully I can back it up,” she said.
Tokyo gold medallist Logan Martin put aside his disappointment at missing out on back-to-back titles to celebrate Diehm.
“It’s awesome what she’s done,” the dethroned champion said.
“She’s just wanted to make a podium — and she’s made the biggest one ever. For her to now have an Olympic medal, I’m super proud of her.”
On the day of her crowning achievement Diehm returned the favour by wishing Martin well, knowing full well just how the bad days feel.