Canadian hockey player Jocelyne Larocque issued an apology for taking off her silver medal after losing the gold medal game to the United States 3-2 in a shootout on Thursday at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
“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,” Larocque said in a statement.
“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.”
“You win a gold or a bronze medal, but you do not win a silver. You get it.”
Absolutely nothing wrong with what Jocelyne Larocque did. I love this woman even more now, she knows she’s worth nothing less than Gold. pic.twitter.com/KTcOO9BcC6
— Ayesha (@yagirldin) February 22, 2018
Larocque’s actions received widespread attention, but many understood that her reaction was reflective of her immediate disappointment over losing. She even said as much after the game, explaining that they wanted to win gold.
An apology from Larocque probably was not necessary, but this should satisfy those who were upset by her actions.
