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Senior defender Emily Zurrer vies with China's Yuan Xu for the ball.
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Aug. 20, 2008
BEIJING, China - As I'm sure some of you know, we lost in overtime to the U.S. the other night in our quarterfinal game. The U.S. played a very good game, and I have no problem admitting that they were the better team on the night. We played our hearts out and left everything on the field, but in end the U.S. was able to pull it out in OT. I don't think I have been that exhausted after a game for a long time!
When the final whistle blew, we were physically and emotionally drained. To say we were disappointed is an understatement. The amount of belief and energy we put into the games had come to a complete halt, and we were not ready for our Olympic journey to end that soon.
After being depressed for a day or two, we realized that we are at the Olympics, and this opportunity doesn't come very often, so we might as well enjoy being here! While the loss still stings, we have been having so much fun here since the game. I can honestly say that the Olympics are everything I dreamed of, and more.
I actually just got back from seeing Usain Bolt win the 200m race and set a world record. We were sitting 10 rows up from the finish line, and I can't even begin to describe the energy in the stadium during and after the race. It was electric. Before that was the men's 5000m race, and wow can those boys run fast for a lonnng time!
Last night, we watched Brazil play Argentina in the men's semifinal match. It was unreal how close we actually were to some of the best players in the world. (p.s. I got a pic with Ronaldhino in the cafeteria..ooohh yesss!) The game was very exciting and Argentina came out on top, winning 3-0. Brazil got two players thrown out toward the end of the match and this did NOT sit well with the Brazilian fans.
Other than that, we've seen lots of other events, including diving, water polo, softball, baseball and the U.S. men's team when they played Spain. It's pretty awesome to be so close to some of the world's best athletes, and I have definitely been star struck many times in the village.
So although we had a bittersweet end to our quest for a medal, my Olympic journey has been an unforgettable experience, and I strongly hope that I will get this opportunity again in 2012. Thank you so much to everyone for all of the love and support I have received...I feel so blessed to have been able to represent my country and school at this prestigious event. Look for me at the closing ceremonies...I'll be the one next to David Beckham.
GO ILLINI!
