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'Holy s**t': Woolworths worker Riley Day leaves nation in awe

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Riley Day (pictured) looks on at her time after the women's 200m semi-final at the Tokyo Olympics. (Getty Images)
Riley Day (pictured) won the hearts of Australians around the world after a brilliant interview following her women's 200m semi-final race at the Tokyo Olympics. (Getty Images)

New Aussie sensation Riley Day has not only won over the hearts of the athletics world, but the whole nation after a blistering 200m sprint and an X-rated interview to go with it in Tokyo.

The 21-year-old Woolworths worker stunned the nation after qualifying for the 200m Olympics semi-final, despite leaving the commentators concerned for her welfare.

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The 21-year-old Queenslander moved on to the semi-finals in a blistering time of 22.94 seconds, but she has promised more the races to come.

This was despite the concern of Channel 7 commentator Bruce McAvaney, who suggested Day appeared 'physically ill' after her taxing heat in the heavy Tokyo sun.

However, Day returned stronger in the night session and determined.

The 21-year-old ran from lane 8 and impressed viewers as she ran in fourth place with a personal best of 22.56.

Channel 7 commentator McAveney was thrilled with her performance after entering the fastest eight times ever for an Australian.

β€œThat is an outstanding performance. It is hard to overstate how good that was,” McAvaney said on Seven.

β€œToday she was physically sick after the run; she realised she had been a bit overwhelmed by everything. She still ran well today to get to the semifinal, but she’s excelled tonight.”

Riley Day's all-time interview at Olympics

The runner, who studies at Griffith University and works for Woolworths, followed up her performance with a reaction, which echoed that of golden swimmer Kaylee Mckeown.

β€œHoly s**t,” an exhausted Day said on Channel Seven.

β€œThat was a much better race than this morning. I’ve got my groove. Now I hope it’s the fastest heat so I can get in the final. Because that is a massive PB. That’s awesome.

"I want to be the best and nothing is going to stop me from being the best."

Fans rightfully had a laugh at the hilarious moment after the young Australian had broken her personal best time.

Unfortunately Day narrowly missed out on the final after a strong field led by Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

However, it won't be long before Day picks up a sponsor following a breakthrough Olympics that could see her become a household name in Australia.

Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:

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