Canada’s Jocelyne Larocque is apologizing for removing her silver medal following her team’s 3-2 shootout defeat to Team USA in the women’s hockey gold medal game Thursday.
“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 honor to represent my country and win a medal for Canada,” she continued.
Larocque, a member of Canada’s gold medal squad in Sochi four years ago, tore off the silver in disgust following the team’s crushing loss, as the United States took home the gold for the first time in two decades. She was later informed by a “man in a suit” she can’t legally refuse to wear the prize, via the Globe and Mail.
“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,” Larocque stated.
Though she couldn’t speak of the loss moments after the game, Larocque regrets her behavior.
“For all fans, young and old, please understand this was a moment in time that I truly wish I could take back,” she said. “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.”