Canadian hockey player who ripped off her silver medal issues statement
Losing isn’t fun.
Losing an Olympic gold medal game in your country’s national winter sport? In the sixth frame of a shootout? To your biggest rival?
That’s a tough pill to swallow.
After Team Canada’s 3-2 loss to the U.S. women’s team Thursday night in Pyeongchang, one player was feeling particularly bitter about finishing second in the world.
Canadian defender Jocelyne Larocque yanked off her silver medal as soon as it was placed around her neck.
Canada's Jocelyne Larocque took off her silver medal immediately after receiving it. #WinterOlympics https://t.co/wS6s9ulmoA pic.twitter.com/CcjiKOd58W
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2018
Her actions drew widespread criticism, even in her home country, as a demonstration of poor sportsmanship.
https://twitter.com/harbourqueen905/status/966649639930875904
#canadianwomenshockey what a classy bunch of girls to stand with your silver medal around your neck and showed pride for our country…except for #jocelyneLarocque that was shameful to our girls and the way you played tonight you didn't deserve to stand with our team
— Terri & kyle (RIP Terri) (@tkverhulst) February 22, 2018
On Friday, Larocque said she was sorry for what she did.
“I want to apologize to the IOC, IIHF, the Pyeongchang Olympic Organizing Committee, Canadian Olympic Committee, Hockey Canada and most especially to my teammates and our fans for removing my silver medal after it was presented to me,” she said in a statement released by Hockey Canada. “In the moment, I was disappointed with the outcome of the game, and my emotions got the better of me.
“I meant no disrespect — it has been an honour to represent my country and win a medal for Canada. I’m proud of our team, and proud to be counted among the Canadian athletes who have won medals at these Games. Being on the podium at the world’s biggest sporting event is a great achievement and one that I’m thankful I was able to experience with my teammates.
“For all fans, young and old, please understand this was a moment in time that I truly wish I could take back. I take seriously being a role model to young girls and representing our country. My actions did not demonstrate the values our team, myself and my family live and for that I am truly sorry.”
Some fans were quick to forgive the 29-year-old from Manitoba.
https://twitter.com/JoniHPetSitter/status/966898987000217606
https://twitter.com/shahsofly/status/967042904110850048
Others, however, were less accepting of Larocque’s apology.
Too little, too late – Unsportmanlike poor loser Jocelyne Larocque apologizes for taking off silver medal https://t.co/raJUi9KPlw
— buzz lightyear (@buzzlightyear58) February 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/Tsufler/status/967006800745672704
Many people said she didn’t need to apologize at all.
What a joke that she felt she needed to apologize. Any of the people criticizing her have likely never lost like that. You can’t teach that kind of competitiveness. #GoCanadaGo
— Dean Millard 🏒🦆🎙 (@DuckMillard) February 23, 2018
She should not apologise for this, she has trained for four years to win gold and was disappointed. She has a right to show her feelings.https://t.co/hRAXzMRJHM
— Nolene Dougan, A Crafty Irish Woman (@NoleneDougan) February 23, 2018
“Some things require an apology,” wrote Toronto Star sports columnist Bruce Arthur. “Being human, without malice or ill intent, isn’t one of them.”
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