Sport2 min(s) read
Published 10:34 02 Sep 2021 GMT
An Australian Paralympic shot putter has given an interview that many are dubbing "one of the greatest sports interviews of all time".
Todd Hodgetts, 33, didn't have the best time on Tuesday, August 31, after he was handed a foul for what many felt what his best throw of the event.
But despite the disappointment, the two-time Paralympic medal winner still managed to give sporting fans a moment to remember.
The Tasmanian athlete, who has autism spectrum disorder, delighted Aussie viewers when he ended his interview with the country's leading network Channel 7 by taking his shirt off and yelling, "This is what it’s all about!"
Check out the legendary interview below:At the start of the interview, Hodgetts says: "I’m good, the night’s not over at all. I’d die for this I’d put my body on the line."
He adds: "I’m going to go to Brisbane and I’ll be 44-year-of age and I’m going to die for my country like the ANZAC’s. Nothing is impossible in this world, you got to look to the future, everyone, not our past."
Just moments later, he suddenly removes his shirt and exclaims, "This is what it’s all about!"
When the interview was shared online, a number of sports fans praised Hodgetts for delivering what they felt was an exceptional post-competition interview.
One fan wrote: "This interview with Todd Hodgetts is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Gold! #Paralympics."
Another added: "I think I’ve just seen one of the greatest sports interviews of all time! Todd Hodgetts you champion! #Paralympics."
A third suggested: "Give Todd Hodgetts his own TV show. Actually, a double act with Scooter Patterson. Awesome energy & spirit. 'Anything is possible!!' @AUSParalympics."
Yet another chimed in: "That could be the greatest post event interview by Todd Hodgetts. One of the best @AUSOlympicTeam."
A different commenter remarked: "This is a great interview. @AUSParalympics ’ shot put champion Todd Hodgetts OAM showing his national pride. What a legend! Truly inspirational. #Tokyo2020 #Paralympics."
A final fan shared: "That Todd Hodgetts interview is better the second time around. What a bloody legend he is what Australian spirit all about app when got back to village place erupted! [sic]"
Hodgetts previously won gold in London in 2012 and a Bronze medal in Rio in 2016.
