In what has turned out to be another disappointing performance at these Olympics, McWilliams Arroyo was defeated by Cuba's Laffita ending Puerto Rico's hopes to break the ongoing medal drought. The last medal won by a Puerto Rican Olympian was in 1996, twelve years ago in Atlanta.
With a score of 11 to 2 Andris Laffita Hernandez of Cuba moves on into the semifinals. Arroyo however felt cheated by the scoring which only awarded him two points for the entire match. Speculation is that Arroyo may turn professional as soon as he returns from Beijing.
These are the breaks. Hope it wasn't so, but Puerto Rico is officially done in these Olympic games. ***UPDATE-Asuncion Ocasio has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Women's 67kg Taekwondo tournament, and Angel Roman will get his chance a few hours from now in the Men's 80kg Taekwondo, thanks for the heads up.***
Cuba's Olympic tradition is nevertheless as strong as it ever was with 13 medals thus far. Cuba is the only Latin American or Caribbean country with double digit medal totals.
7 comments:
Not all hope is lost. As of right now, Asuncion Ocasio has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Women's 67kg Taekwondo tournament, and Angel Roman will get his chance a few hours from now in the Men's 80kg Taekwondo.
I admit that I don't know much about this sport, or who ranks where in international competition. But these two are our last hope to medal in the Olympics, and until they are eliminated, I will continue to hold onto that hope.
Anything is possible. Viva PR! Much love to our Olympians for their efforts!
Roman lost a close one, so he's out. Ocasio is all we have left. Come on, Ocasio!
The dream for gold is now officially over. 60 years and counting. It's sad to have to wait another 4 years for another shot. :(
I believe Ocasio can still earn a bronze, which would be a plus, considering we haven't medaled since getting the bronze in 1996.
Sorry guys, last time posting. Ocasio lost the bronze match, which means no medals once again. I'm proud of my boricuas, but this hurts.
This is very disappointing. The Puerto Rico Olympic Committee needs to diversify its team. Why don't we have a women's indoor volleyball team??? How about beach volleyball. I grew up playing volleyball in Puerto Rico. Still remember the tournaments. The Olympic Committee needs to start recruiting for all sports, not just boxing and basketball.
We need to get involved in more sports. Puerto Rico is an Island for God's sake, let's get more swimming, sailing, kayaking, etc athletes going. As far as Puerto Ricans in the USA, if you're good enough to represent in the Olympics contact Puerto Rico and tell them you want to wrestle, fence, whatever it is you do and let's try to earn our first gold - you will go down in history much better than if you won the gold for the USA - who has won plenty - the endorsements will come. Let's go PR, rise to the top in 2012.
Agreed with Don Jemo.
Win a gold for USA and you join a long list of names. Win a gold for Puerto Rico and you become a legend forever.
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