PARIS – A long-awaited Olympic dream has unexpectedly ended in heartbreaking fashion for a Canmore rugby sevens star.
Posting a photo of herself walking around Paris with tears in her eyes after hearing some devastating news, Krissy Scurfield said in a heartfelt update on social media that she will no longer be competing at Paris 2024 due to an internal laceration she sustained while playing.
Her post came following Team Canada’s semifinal-clinching match on Monday (July 29), who are now guaranteed to compete for an Olympics medal in women's rugby sevens.
“I am sad, angry, confused, and experiencing so many emotions that I can’t even put a finger on. I am disappointed that I cannot play for my teammates. I am sad I cannot play more games for my friends, family, and country. I am heartbroken,” said Scurfield.
“But here I am, in Paris at the Olympics. I am grateful. I can still smile and be proud of all of my incredible teammates who inspire me and push me every single day. I am proud of my country. I am proud of myself. I did all I could when I had my shot, now it’s time for someone else to have theirs. Thank you to everyone who has supported me to get here. Thank you to my teammates and coaches, medical staff, S&C, family, friends and especially Dr. Mike. I love you all.”
The 21-year-old first-time Olympian was taken out of Sunday’s match against New Zealand with an injury in the second half.
Usually an explosive sprinter, Scurfield got the ball with approximately five minutes left in the second half against the defending gold medallist squad and was set to make a power move, but she quickly dropped to the ground for a scrum half. When she got up she was favouring the left side of her torso.
Canada lost the match 33-7.
Scurfield didn’t play Monday against China or France. However, the Canadian squad went 2-0, advancing to the semifinals to take on Australia Tuesday (July 30) at 8 a.m. MST.
In the other semifinal matchup, New Zealand takes on the United States.
The bronze medal match is at 11 a.m. MST, and the gold medal match is at 11:45 a.m. MST.
Canadians can watch matches for free on CBC Gem.
