Some pictures are worth 1000 words.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This one is worth 2000.
Parkes' Mariah Williams sits dejected on the Oi Hockey Stadium turf as her Indian opponents celebrate an incredible 1-nil win in the Tokyo Olympics women's hockey quarter-finals.
Any Olympic loss with a medal opportunity on the line is devastating, but the Hockeyroos went into this game as overwhelming favourites.
So the loss wasn't just shattering, it was almost like the players couldn't believe what had just happened.
The powerful image of Williams, taken by AAP photographer John Locher, perfectly articulated exactly that.
Williams took to Facebook after the loss the reveal her despair, and thank all the supporters.
"Words cannot describe the heart break I feel right now," read Williams' Facebook post.
"Unfortunately the Hockeyroos campaign of winning a medal in Tokyo has come to an end, but I'm so, so proud of how the girls played.
"Not only have I been through some extremely hard times with lengthy injuries over the past five years, the Hockeyroos have also had some challenging times...but we've dug deep and I think on the right track to success not only on the field but also off the field," Williams said.
READ MORE SPORTS NEWS:
She explains that the heartbreak of Monday's loss was compounded by losing at the exact same stage in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
"After losing the quarter-final in Rio, I told myself I will not allow myself to go through the same outcome again at the next Olympics (if selected).
"I believe we played our hearts out in the five round games and were on the right track to win a medal, but it all came down to one game - and the one that mattered the most as of yet," read Williams' post.
Inexplicably, she then apologised.
This national treasure, Indigenous role model and hero to the entire Parkes community, who played an incredible tournament as the lynchpin of the Hockeyroos attack, said she felt like she had let people down.
"I can't help but feel ashamed of the last game, and the guilt in letting down our friends, supporters, family, country and each other.
"Although I know we will come back together as a squad and have this burning sensation and heartbreak fuel us for our next tournament," Williams defiantly wrote.
Mariah, hear this.
You don't need to apologise.
You have done Parkes, the Wiradjuri nation, NSW and Australia so very proud.
A medal doesn't define your endeavour and success.
You have inspired the entire Parkes community.
Our hero.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
