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'No one needs to be disappointed': Morris's classy response

A reflective David Morris has produced a beautiful response to his early exit in the aerials final in PyeongChang on Sunday night.

The 33-year-old was the last man eliminated in the first round as Chinese skier and eventual silver medallist Jia Zongyang progressed in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Both men suffered shaky landings, with Zongyang taking a tumble down the hill, but the judges came down harder on Morris.

While Australian women's aerials gold medallist Lydia Lassila branded the decision "ludicrous", a healthy dose of perspective saw Morris speak on the end of his campaign with a smile.

"It can't be undone now. It is what it is. I've accepted it. It's fine," the Sochi silver medallist told Channel 7.

"I'm pretty happy with myself just to be here and in one piece, still alive. Goal number one: didn't die."

David Morris. Pic: Getty
David Morris. Pic: Getty

With his mum Marg watching from home as she battles lung cancer, Morris was forced to bottle his emotions until "a little cry up the top there" dropped life's problems on him like a ton of bricks.

A party of more than 30 people joined Marg as Morris's father and brother joined him in PyeongChang.

"It seems really heartless -- I just basically put up a wall and ignored (mum's illness) and decided I wasn't going to react at all," he said.

"Because I can't do anything from here, I can't solve it. I decided not to go home, because she's like 'don't you dare come home, this was the goal'. And we got here, so that was really good.

"And each day I'd think about it and just have to put it aside because it would affect everything I do. I finally let it kick in a little bit now.

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"It is very sad. I got here. I hope she's proud, I hope everyone's proud. I tried my best, that's all I can do.

"Not the best landing but I haven't crashed a jump at the Olympics in my career so that's not a bad little box to tick off as well."

Morris had not been shy about showing off his five-twist, three-spin jump that many thought would guarantee a medal.

While he missed out on completing it in competition, he was happy to be safe after a long campaign.

Morris has not categorically ruled out a return for Beijing 2022, though a return to the individual arena at 37 years old appears unlikely.

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However, coaching is on the agenda for the Melburnian -- after a break to spend time with his family at home.

"I know I've made them proud," he said.

"They'll be disappointed for me (but) no one needs to be disappointed in me. I'm in a really good place, I'm really happy with how I've done this whole year.

"I haven't had heaps of results but Olympic finals is great, doing five twists on the snow is great."