Bronze medal glory overwhelming for Zurrer
Emily Zurrer has received an Olympic bronze medal with her Canadian soccer teammates after all.
There was some doubt about whether the valley soccer star and Robyn Gayle would be awarded medals at the London 2012 games after Canada beat France 1-0 on Thursday. But that's all been cleared up now.
"Because her and Robyn Gayle were initially on the roster, they got medals,'' explained Zurrer's sister Annie, who was in London with mom Leslie to watch the Canadian soccer team's glorious run. "They didn't get to go on the podium, but they got their medals. Em didn't think they were going to.''
Emily Zurrer missed the Olympic tournament due to a hamstring injury but was at the games to provide support for her teammates. She was also in uniform and joined the celebration on the field after the bronze medal match.
"We weren't able to go on the podium, but we were presented with them after,'' wrote Zurrer in an email to the News Leader Pictorial.
"It's been an incredible journey, full of many ups and a few downs, but this team was able to overcome so much and we are so proud and excited to bring a medal home for Canada. It was obviously a huge disappointment to not be on the field, but this medal represents more than just the last two weeks. This team has worked so hard for many years and we have experienced some incredible highs and some incredible lows, but it has all been worth it for this medal hanging around our necks.''
Zurrer is grateful to everyone at home for backing her every step of the way and this was no exception, even though she wasn't playing.
"I honestly cannot even express how thankful I am for all the messages,'' she indicated. "The support I have gotten not only the past few weeks but throughout the years has been insane and I feel so blessed. I can't wait to bring the medal home to Canada and the Cowichan Valley.''
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