Obviously, when you're up against somebody you don't like there's extra motivation, but I don't think any person going for an Olympic gold is going to put friendship first.

In this quote, Katarina Johnson-Thompson speaks to the intense and often competitive nature of the pursuit of an Olympic gold medal. She acknowledges that when competing against someone you don’t particularly like, there can be an added sense of motivation to outperform them. The emotion that comes from a rivalry can fuel an athlete's desire to win, but she emphasizes that, regardless of personal feelings, the ultimate goal of any Olympic athlete is to win, not to prioritize friendship.

Johnson-Thompson is drawing attention to the focus and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of competition. In the context of the Olympics, where athletes compete for the world’s most coveted sports achievement, personal relationships take a backseat. The desire to be the best can sometimes mean setting aside personal connections and putting performance first.

The quote highlights the sacrifices that athletes, especially at the Olympic level, make in the name of achievement. It points to the reality that, in highly competitive environments, athletes are often required to temporarily set aside personal sentiments, including friendship, to achieve their goals. The intensity of competition and the mental drive required to succeed leave little room for anything but a single-minded focus on victory.

In essence, Johnson-Thompson’s words reflect the mental toughness and determination it takes to compete at the Olympic level. While relationships and rivalries may add fuel to the fire, the pursuit of the gold medal is ultimately about self-discipline, focus, and the willingness to make hard choices for the sake of success.