Hopes were high as the Women's 100m Hurdles were run in Calgary yesterday. The favorites for the top spots were well on their way, but anything can happen during a hurdles race.
The qualifying rounds had been run on Friday, but some of the competitors had already achieved the standards necessary for Olympic competition prior to their arrival in Calgary and as a result were granted a buy into the semi-finals. Others who had not yet attained the necessary standard had to establish their times on Friday afternoon, in anticipation of Saturday's races.
When the semis were complete on Saturday afternoon, the two front runners were qualified for the finals. Priscilla Lopes-Schliep ran the semi in 12.81 seconds, and Perdita Felicien in 12.93.
That set the stage for the final race, but by the time the final was complete, these two had to face the unthinkable reality that their dreams of Olympic competition had been dashed, at least for now. In the aftermath of the race, the interviews with media gave them occasion to speak with poise and grace, despite their obvious disappointment.
Before the sun set on the track, the text had already been prepared and published to report the results: Jessica Zelinka will represent Canada in the London games, while both Priscilla and Perdita will have to stay on local soil.
***
How does one even speak to the reality of dreams that have been dashed. It seems that there are no words to adequately address the shock and the obvious disappointment on the faces of those who have worked so hard for this moment, only to have the dream dashed in a matter of seconds. At times such as these, gestures speak louder than words so its the time for hugs, and if there be a word of encouragement, it must reflect the constant love that alone can be the source of undying pride and respect for a job well done.
Less than 24 hours after the dust had settled on the track, the athletes were on their way home, to rest, recuperate and to prepare for a better tomorrow.
The qualifying rounds had been run on Friday, but some of the competitors had already achieved the standards necessary for Olympic competition prior to their arrival in Calgary and as a result were granted a buy into the semi-finals. Others who had not yet attained the necessary standard had to establish their times on Friday afternoon, in anticipation of Saturday's races.
When the semis were complete on Saturday afternoon, the two front runners were qualified for the finals. Priscilla Lopes-Schliep ran the semi in 12.81 seconds, and Perdita Felicien in 12.93.
That set the stage for the final race, but by the time the final was complete, these two had to face the unthinkable reality that their dreams of Olympic competition had been dashed, at least for now. In the aftermath of the race, the interviews with media gave them occasion to speak with poise and grace, despite their obvious disappointment.
Before the sun set on the track, the text had already been prepared and published to report the results: Jessica Zelinka will represent Canada in the London games, while both Priscilla and Perdita will have to stay on local soil.
***
How does one even speak to the reality of dreams that have been dashed. It seems that there are no words to adequately address the shock and the obvious disappointment on the faces of those who have worked so hard for this moment, only to have the dream dashed in a matter of seconds. At times such as these, gestures speak louder than words so its the time for hugs, and if there be a word of encouragement, it must reflect the constant love that alone can be the source of undying pride and respect for a job well done.
Less than 24 hours after the dust had settled on the track, the athletes were on their way home, to rest, recuperate and to prepare for a better tomorrow.
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