Despite battling a strained Achilles tendon and not being at her physical peak, Lauren Hoffman gave it all in the Paris Olympics women’s 400m hurdles.
Lauren Hoffman Instagram
Hoffman thankful for Paris experience
LAUREN Hoffman’s Olympic debut may have ended in a disappointment after missing the semifinals of the women’s 400m hurdles on Monday, but the former Duke standout is very grateful for the opportunity to be in the same stage with the world’s finest.
Despite a second chance, Hoffman crossed the finish line in seventh place — last in her heat — with a time of 58.28 seconds, placing her 20th out of the 21 athletes who competed in the repechage heats.
Only the top two from each repechage advanced to the semifinals.
It was very frustrating for Hoffman, admitting that the training for the past few months in Durham has been really tough as she was dealing with a strained Achilles tendon, but the 25-year-old hurdler put up a gallant stand to carry the fight for the Philippines.
“Officially an Olympian but MAN these last 2 months have been a struggle. A struggle to stay healthy, to get the training in, to stay confident. 2 disappointing and humbling performances on the highest stage of sport, but I am still so grateful and want to thank God for the opportunity,” Hoffman wrote on her social media accounts.
Hoffman, who owns the national record of 55.72s she set in April, actually had a better time on Sunday with 57.84s. She finished 37th in the opening round, missing out on an outright semifinal spot.
“Even though I couldn’t represent the country in the way I know I can, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. More than times, the goal is always to glorify God and inspire others, and I hope I was still able to do that in some capacity. Fall down 7 times stand up 8. Thank you ALL for the endless support, maraming salamat at laban Pilipinas,” Hoffman said with heartfelt emotion.
