Devastated Australian sprinter Ebony Lane has made a cutting remark after being excluded from the relay team for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The ‘heartbroken’ competitor from Echuca, Victoria, took to social media to voice her astonishment at not being selected for the women’s 4x100m relay prior to the heats on Thursday.
Lane, 25, asserts she was not provided with any reasons for her unexpected omission, effectively terminating her Olympic journey before it even began.
National selectors chose five sprinters to represent Australia in Paris, but with only four spots available for the relay, someone was bound to be left out.
‘I believe I deserved a place on that team given my performance this season,’ a disheartened Lane posted.
‘I narrowly missed qualifying for the 100m at the Olympics, placed 3rd at nationals, 2nd at Oceania championships, was part of the team that secured the Olympic qualification, and won multiple races this year, only to be dropped from the relay with very little explanation.’
‘I am fit, healthy, and primed to compete, having worked incredibly hard all year for this opportunity.’
‘I will continue to support and cheer for the girls in the team throughout this journey.’
Australian Olympic sprinter Ebony Lane (pictured) was shunned from the 4x100m female relay team
Lane (pictured) said of her dismissal: ‘I feel I had done enough to be in that team with the season I had’
‘I am fortunate to have a great support system, and I appreciate everyone who has backed me on this journey. Here’s to next year.’
Lane’s exclusion resulted in Australia’s team being composed of Ella Connolly, Kristie Edwards, Bree Masters, with Torrie Lewis running the anchor leg.
This decision took fans by surprise as Lane was part of the relay team that set a new Australian record at the Sydney Track Classic in March, clocking a time of 42.95 seconds.
That record-setting team included Lewis, Australia’s fastest woman, along with Masters and Connolly.
Unfortunately, Lane’s teammates finished fourth in their heat on Thursday, trailing behind the USA, Germany, and Switzerland.
They narrowly missed out on a spot in the final by just 0.11 seconds.
The Australian men’s team also failed to advance in the 4x100m heats that followed, although they did set a new national record.
Australia finished fifth in their heat
