By MARK REY MONTEJO
Fil-American hurdler Lauren Hoffman remains grateful for her first Olympic stint at the 2024 Paris Games despite a short and unsuccessful campaign.
The 25-year-old track star failed to advance to the semifinals in the women’s 400-meter hurdles after finishing last in her repechage group with 58.28 seconds, a little less than a second slower than her preliminary heat clocking of 57.84sec.
According to Hoffman, she has been dealing with mental and physical health issues for a few months leading to Paris.
“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,” Hoffman wrote in a social media post.
Still, the Philippine record-holder was grateful for the “humbling experience” of donning the national tricolors and competing against the world’s elite tracksters that include reigning champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States and Dutch Femke Bol.
“[Two] 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 said.
“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 ever, the goal is always to glorify God and inspire others, and I hope I was still able to do that in some capacity,” she added.
Still, the Haymarket, Virginia native served it as inspiration to strive for greatness.
“Fall down 7 times, stand up 8. Thank you [all] for the endless support, maraming salamat at laban Pilipinas,” she concluded.
Hoffman booked her Summer Games ticket through World Athletics’ Road to Paris rankings last month, notching the 39th spot in the standings where only top 40 will be qualified.
