"Hats off for fighting back";"Incredible that she was able to salvage a podium"-Fans react as Chloe Dygert wins bronze despite crash at Paris Olympics

Chloe Dygert went into the women's cycling time trial event at the Paris Olympics as a favorite to reclaim the gold for Team USA, but an ugly crash left her future in the race uncertain. However, the 27-year-old staged an incredible comeback to clamber onto the podium for bronze, leaving fans amazed at her determination and skill.

Dygert came into this win the reigning World Champion having won the women's time trial event at the 2023 UCI Road World Championships in a time of 46:59.80. Before her, Team USA had enjoyed a streak of three-consecutive wins at the Olympics when American Kristin Armstrong took gold in the event in 2008, 2012, and 2016.

Unfortunately, that streak came to an end when Dutchwoman Annemiek van Vleuten took home the crown in 2020. Coming into the Paris Olympics, all eyes were on Chloe Dygert as the 27-year-old sought to reclaim the crown for the USA, but an ugly crash on the wet roads put her future in the race in peril.

However, Dygert made a stunning recovery, clocking a 41:10.70 to take bronze behing champion Grace Brown who clocked a 39:38:24 and silver-medalist Anna Henderson who finished with a time of 41:09.83. Reacting to this comeback from the American, fan on X were left stunned, with one writing,

“The big favorite, Chloe Dygert saves the day and gets the bronze medal. Hats off for fighting back after that very ugly crash.#Paris2024"

Another X user joined the conversation to say,

“Incredible that she was able to salvage a podium,"

Here is how others reacted to Dygert’s incredible recovery at the Paris Olympics:

“Huge respect, it's certainly not the color she wanted, but grinding back for a podium after that is still a great accomplishment,” a fan wrote.

“Bronze is impressive, but Dygert's true potential is still untapped,” one X user opied.

“The fact she recovered from a fall and still medaled is incredible! The conditions were crazy,” a cycling enthusiast commented.

“Sucks to see that fall from Chloe Dygert in the cycling time trial but an impressive recovery to still get the bronze,” yet another fan chimed in.

Chloe Dygert's previous Olympic achievements

For Chlore Dygert, this bronze medal finish at the Paris Olympics marks her third overall medal at the Games. Back in 2016, a then 19-year-old Dygert made her Olympic debut, claiming silver in the team pursuit alongside teammates Sarah Hammer, Kelly Catlin, and Jennifer Valente.

Four years later, the American made a repeat trip to the podium in Tokyo, this time for the bronze in the team pursuit, partnered with compatriots Megan Jastrab, Jennifer Valente, and Emma White.

For now, after this bronze in the time trial, Chloe Dygert will get the chance to add another medal to her collection when she competes in the women's road race, on Sunday, August 4.