One step too short

And it's over. Four years with a team, representing your country internationally, traveling the world, playing a sport you love...it all comes down to seven innings. I knew we couldn't extend our Olympics forever but when the final out came and went a part of me screamed "let's see if they'll play us again". Softball has always been fun for me. I don't think I would have played as long as I have if it wasn't. But to have it be over, is truly a sad time.

We came out hard against the Aussies and we knew we were in for a fight. I'd like to think they underestimated us. We showed them what we already knew, that we could hit the best pitching in the world and that we could make it very hard for them to put runs on the board. The lead was ours until the 4th inning and unfortunately we just didn't have enough to push a couple across when it really counted.

Over the past four years the Team Canada Softball program has come a long way. It started in Athens where the Canadian team beat Japan 1-0 in their final game of the 2004 Olympics. People's eyes were opened and we realized that we could be a contender the next time around. During this Olympic cycle we placed in the top three at three of four Canada Cup tournaments and we qualified for the Olympics with a 5th place finish at World Championships in 2006. We bettered that standing by beating the Japanese and the Aussies in the Australian Cup this year. We also came second to China in the China Cup this fall. We have a silver Pan American medal from 2007 and a gold medal from the World University Games held last August in Thailand. Twice we took home the Bronze medal from the US World Cup. This success prepared us for the challenges of the Olympic tournament. As much as this success has meant, I know that I speak for my entire team when I say that the podium we missed is the one that hurts the most.

After the game our head coach spoke to our work ethic and determination. We left our guts on the field. We played with heart, passion and commitment. We truly believed we could do it. Success at this level still requires that bit more though. We were sloppy at times, we hit into plays instead of making things happen. There's room to grow...and after coming fourth we know that this program will continue to compete and win on the world stage for years to come. Our team did something no other Canadian softball team has ever done. We earned a spot in the medal round. We were in unchartered territory and we came so close to getting it done. That's something to hold on to...

I spent the morning with my family and this evening I will join my team at Canada House where we will have a dinner and remember all the good times. I'm sure it won't be the last time I see these amazing women but when I board my flight to go home on the 25th I'm sure it's the last time we will all be in the same place at the same time (unless someone is already planning a reunion! ) These girls have been my family, my support system and one of the key components to why my love of softball has continued to grow. I can't imagine sharing this experience with a more diverse, energetic and enthusiastic group of people. I'm already getting too sappy for my own good so I should cut this short here :)

I would like to thank durhamregion.com and the Whitby/Oshawa This Week for making this blog possible. It's been a way for me to communicate with my family and friends and a way for so many people to learn about my sport and have their own taste of an Olympic experience. It's a keepsake I'll cherish so thank you very much.

Thank you again to all those who posted. You have made me smile countless times on this journey and I look forward to telling you so in person!

Finally I'd like to say hello to my mom! I'm coming home soon so you better be ready for me ha ha. I love you very much and I can't wait to see you.

Thank you for reading.

Yours in Softball,

Erin McLean #20

Comments

[Joanne Burghardt]

Erin, we were lucky to have you in Beijing both on the field and on your blog. Many a morning we pulled out the television in the newsroom to watch the softball team compete. Watching you and your teammates gave us all a great deal of pleasure and we are very proud of what you have accomplished. Cheers!
Joanne Burghardt, Editor-in-Chief
Metroland Durham Region Media Group

[Andre Bouchard]

Hi sweetie, Just two words for you and your team-mates,"THANK YOU" uncle André.......

[Gail Warren (from the Prince)]

Hi Erin,
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for representing our country soooo well. It isn't all about winning, it's how you play the game! All of you girls aced it.

[Ian Caldwell]

Hi Erin, you've competed with a true love of sport and set an example for young athletes. You and your teammates have represented Canada well and we can only be proud. Thank you for sharing the experience in your blog.

Best wishes,

Ian Caldwell
Manager, Online Editorial Content
gtaathletes.com

[Alex/Jean]

Hi Erin, we could say so many wonderful things with words, but we think just a BIG BIG hug to you will let you know just how we feel.Total team effort was magnificent. Family feelings fantastic as we look forward to sharing you with so many.Well done!! Well done!! As aye, Gran/Grandad.

[Anne and Miles Summers]

Erin
We followed every game.You gave it your "all". You were a great representative for Canada and your sport.Be proud --YOU ARE AN OLYMPIAN!

[Don Riddell]

Erin, I have to thank your dad for sending me your blog page.......Having played softball for most of my life, I really enjoyed reading your messages and watching your games. You ladies did our country proud and here's hoping that this competition comes back real soon on the olympic platform........Well Done and very well written......

Don Riddell

[Caroline Moro-Dalicandro]

Hello Erin, Congratulations to you and the team and making Canada proud! I have really enjoyed reading your blog. It was very positive and inspiring and I felt part of the Olympic spirit! Congratulations on living your dream! You should be very proud!
Caroline Moro-Dalicandro

[Chris Steven]

Her Erin...we tried to catch every game and you guys did a great job...even at 2 years old I had Julian routing for you all the way. Congrats on everything you have done, you were great!

[jackie niven]

Erin, you made us all very proud as you always do. Can't wait to actually hug you in person.
You will always be "our Olympian"

The Niven Clan

[Jim Fraser]

Erin:
You have experienced something many of us will never achieve, to live your dream. You're a winner and always will be, hold your head up high, we are all proud of you and your team.
Thank you,
The Fraser Family