Canada’s Olympic field hockey players recap Rio in one word
PHOTO: Canada’s field hockey team takes the field in a match against Ireland on August 11, 2016 at theOlympic Games in Rio, Brazil (By Yan Huckendubler)
It’s coming up to a month since the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Olympics in Rio. After a strong showing and a bump in the World Rankings to 12th from 15th, Canada’s Olympic field hockey players have had some time to reflect on the Games.
When asked to choose one word to sum up the experience at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, here is how Canada’s 16 Olympic field hockey players responded:
Unforgettable – #2 – Benjamin Martin
The Olympics was an incredibly profound experience, and the highs and the lows of the Games are moments I will hold with me the rest of my life.
Motivating – #4 – Scott Tupper
Any time you compete amongst the best teams in the world, and get the taste of it, it’s extremely motivating to get back to that level, and compete there on a more regular basis.
Dreaming – #5 – Devohn Noronha Teixeira
The best moment was the first game vs Germany, running out on the field and officially becoming a Canadian Olympian.
Infatuating – #7 – Gabriel Ho-Garcia
From the opening ceremonies, to competing, to the life in the athlete’s village; my whole experience at the Rio Olympics has inspired a determined passion to return to the Olympic Games again no matter the hard work it will require.
Inspiring – #10 – Keegan Pereira
My best memory was post-game on the field after playing India, sitting against the pitch barrier, thinking about the long road to get to the Olympics, how our tournament had gone and then thinking about how badly I want to be back in 2020.
Humbled – #11 – Jagdish Gill
After an 18 year journey of discipline, persistence and sacrifice, I am humbled to reach an international stage of excellence.
Sacred – #14 – Adam Froese
In sport there are few games you get to play that are truly worth something. The Red Caribou have been fortunate enough to play a few of those in the last 3 years. In Rio we were able to play five in a row that would determine our fate at the Olympics and the legacy we set moving forward. Personally, I feel we missed it. We missed the mark on a few areas that led us to not reach the desirable goal we set for ourselves. That being said, those five games cannot be taken away from us now, and will go down as arguably five of the biggest games of our lives.
Humbled – #16 – Gordon Johnston
At the Olympics I was so proud to finally represent Canada with the pride and passion that has driven me all my life. I felt so humbled to a part of something so much bigger than me, something that meant so much more than my experience.
Thrilling – #17 – Brenden Bissett
Privilege – #19 – Mark Pearson
Representing Canada, continuing the proud legacy of Men’s Olympic Field Hockey and competing in front of so many family and friends was truly a privilege.
Overwhelming – #21 – Matthew Sarmento
When you remove yourself from the situation and realize where you are and the work youve done to get there, it was truly unique and a lot to take in.
Honoured – #23 – Iain Smythe
Honoured to be able to represent our amazing country at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Pinnacle – #26 – Matthew Guest
My best memory was standing over the push back in the first game against Germany. At that moment I remember thinking we had truly made it back to the world stage
Bittersweet – #27 – Sukhi Panesar
The Olympic experience was incredible and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but ultimately, disappointment in how we placed leaves me with the desire to be back and achieve more.
Inspiring – #29 – Taylor Curran
Being in that atmosphere and competing against the world’s best was incredibly inspiring and motivating, and it just got me so excited to get back to training and trying to get better!
Everlasting – #30 – David Carter
Although the tournament didn’t go as we had planned and our end result didn’t match our pre-tournament goals, 16 men will forever be known as Canadian Olympians with memories of interacting with sporting superstars and walking alongside each other into the Opening and out of the Closing Ceremonies, all the whilst our closest friends and families continued their incredible support 11,000 kilometres from home!
