Adam Prudhomme
Editor
The slightest of point differential was enough to keep Canada’s women’s rugby sevens team out of the medal round at the Tokyo Olympics.
Canada will now play for ninth against Kenya tonight at 8:30 p.m. to finish their Olympic run.
After losing their final pool play game to France 31-0 last night, the Canadians were left to scoreboard watch in hopes of hanging on to a final playoff spot.
Unfortunately for them the teams chasing them did just enough to squeak into the playoffs-China picked up a 29-0 win over Japan while the Russian Olympic Committee, despite losing to New Zealand 33-0, still had enough of a points for/against in their favour to clinch third.
Canada finished pool play with 45 points for, 57 against while ROC posted 47 points, 59 against. Both finished at -12 point differential, but ROC’s two extra points were enough to advance to the quarter-finals.
Earlier this morning the Canadians took on Brazil in a placement match, picking up a 45-0 win. The victory advances them to the ninth place game against Kenya.
Napanee’s Britt Benn took to social media Friday morning to share her thoughts and reflect on all the team has faced over the last year, including speaking out against allegations of harassment and bullying against former team coach John Tait. The coach, who resigned in May, denies the claims. An independent investigation is expected to take place following the Olympics.
“Nine months ago, I was walking away from my Olympic Dream,” wrote Benn. “I was ashamed to represent the National Senior Women’s Rugby 7s program, its leadership and what they stood for.
I was terrified to speak up, knowing there would be consequences for using my voice.
I was heartbroken that once I walked away, someone else’s daughter would be exposed to a toxic training environment. A place that left you with anxiety, depression and low self-worth.
I was frustrated that the system was broken and failed to protect their very own athletes.
We needed change, so we took a stand together and fought with what little we had left in our hearts.
We knew the risks, we knew it could cost us our Olympic dreams but we also knew changing the system was more important.
We are proud of what we represent today because of our fight.
Yes, we are disappointed we’re not bringing home an Olympic medal but I’ve realized that this life is so much more than that.
This life is about protecting the people you love. The people before you, beside you and after you.
This life is about breaking silence and standing for the individuals that didn’t have the courage to stand.
In fact, living this life…is GOLD!
Thank you to every person who made this journey possible. You know who you are and you will forever hold a very special place in my heart.”