'Such a shame': Aussie's heartbreaking interview after 'gutting' loss
Hockeyroos star Edwina Bone broke down in tears during an interview only moments after Australia suffered a devastating upset in the quarter-final stage of the Tokyo Olympics.
Australia had enjoyed its best start ever to an Olympics campaign after winning all five group stage games and only conceding once.
'CANNOT DO THAT': Sprint star savaged over 'unforgivable' act
'WHAT A FREAK': Runner's 'mind-blowing' act after fall in 1500m
'WHAT THE HELL': Aussie runner caught in 'ridiculous' farce
Despite the Hockeyroos heading into the quarter-final as strong favourites to advance, a determined India team proved too much in the knock-out stage.
The Aussie stars collapsed to the floor after the final whistle with many bursting into tears in heartbreaking scenes.
Following the heartbreak in hot conditions, Bone spoke to Channel 7 about the upset.
“It is hard for these girls,” she said straight after the game.
“We have worked really hard over the last 18 months and probably three months in the lead in to the games.
"We started the tournament really well, we were putting together really good performances but it proves you can finish top of your pool and it comes down to one match, the quarterfinal.”
Emotional scenes. 🥺@Hockeyroos star Edwina Bone after Australia's quarter-final exit.#Tokyo2020 | #7Olympics | #Hockey pic.twitter.com/sXdzUKeT80
— 7Olympics (@7olympics) August 2, 2021
But, the Aussie star was emotional when praising the spirit of the Hockeyroos throughout a difficult Olympics campaign.
“They’re... I’m just really proud of them,” she added.
“It’s just such a shame to end it this way. We’ve worked really hard.
“We’ve come together as a really united group under a really inspirational leader. Trinny’s shown us the way because she’s done it before so it’s just a shame that it’s over.”
Crushing …
— gjm (@gjm1508) August 2, 2021
Brutal for the Hockeyroos, first loss and they’re out, shattering #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/mp9q1TZPsi
— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) August 2, 2021
😭💔 heartbreaking doesn’t cut it…. This team has been through so so much in the last five years… we are so proud of you @Hockeyroos 💛💚
— Anna Flanagan (@Anna_Flanagan) August 2, 2021
Devastated for the @Hockeyroos 💔 anyone who follows hockey knows the past year has been a roller coaster for the players and staff. New coach came in for #Tokyo2020 plenty of new faces, they’ve done amazing to win all their pool matches. Sometimes it’s just not your day. #Hockey
— Kate Allman (@KateAllman_) August 2, 2021
Hockeyroos gutted after India upset
Australia were unable to crack the Indian defence, a Gurjit Kaur drag flick that bobbled home on 22 minutes the difference in the India women's finest hockey moment.
Australia were unable to score from any of their nine penalty corners - they converted just two-of-25 across the tournament - while Rosie Malone hit the post after 90 seconds.
India, who only snuck into the final eight with wins over Ireland and South Africa, earned their win though, defending valiantly as Australia pressed in the final quarter.
India didn't win a game in Rio five years ago but will now play for a medal for the first time, while three-time Olympic champions Australia's wait for a first medal since their 2000 gold continues.
with AAP
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.