'Total failure': Brutal fallout for US athlete after Olympic heartache

For many of us watching the Olympic Games on television, the thought of simply being exceptional enough to represent your country on the world's biggest stage is a massive accomplishment in itself.

But for some, like shattered American runner Emma Coburn, winning means everything and anything less is unacceptable.

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That has proven to be the confronting reality for the women’s 3000m steeplechase competitor, who entered the Games as a genuine medal chance after claiming silver at the 2019 world championships in Doha.

Unfortunately, things didn't go to plan for the American in Tokyo and she has offered a brutal self-assessment of her performance at the Olympics.

America's preeminent steeplechaser for the past decade was bitterly disappointed after crossing the line in 14th place, then finding out later that she had been disqualified because she stepped off the track after a last-lap stumble over the barrier.

“It sucks to suck on the biggest stage,” Coburn said.

To her, it was as inexplicable as it was unacceptable and Coburn took to Twitter afterwards to label her Olympic Games campaign a "total failure".

“My Tokyo Olympic race was a total failure. I was terrible,” Coburn tweeted on Thursday.

“Disappointed to not be my best and represent my country and team well. Thank you for all the kind words of support.”

Coburn has spent the past 10 years perfecting a craft that once had very little to do with Americans on the international stage but now very much does.

She won bronze at the last Olympics, gold and silver at the last two world championships. She has won the US championship in nine of the last 10 years.

She came to Tokyo not so much hoping for, but expecting, to bring home a medal.

Emma Coburn reflects on disappointment

As has played out time and again on the Olympic stage, the trip, the pressure, the yearlong delay caused by COVID-19, to say nothing of the searing pressure that accompanies big expectations, are all valid reasons to focus more on an athlete's journey than the result.

But as Coburn stood there attempting to process her disappointment.

“We're professional athletes,” she said.

“Obviously, everyone has their own experiences. But for me, it’s about results and it’s about everyone in my life. I've got my teammates, my husband, my sponsors, my friends, everyone in my life gives everything to me.

"So the journey is important and we’re going to enjoy the journey. But when you suck, like, that’s not part of this journey.”

Possibly the most frustrating part for Coburn is that she could not see it coming. Sure, she said, during warmups and in qualifying, she felt little nicks and twinges, but nothing she hadn't dealt with before.

In the aftermath of her most disappointing race ever, Coburn was having trouble finding a glimmer of light.

"Obviously we’re seeing a lot of mental-health issues. But for me to come here, to be physically really prepared, and to suffer like I did, is not why my 20 closest friends and family have been supporting me for the last five years. It's not what I'm capable of. I know I need to do better.”

with agencies

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