US Field Hockey Player Kayla Bashore-Smedley will not appear in the XVI Pan American Games
Kayla Bashore-Smedley, veteran US field hockey player, is not a part of the national squad heading for Guadalajara in Mexico for the XVI Pan American Games, scheduled to commence on October 19.
Smedley received a head-injury few weeks ago, during an intra-squad competition. Despite numerous appointments with medical experts and specialists, she has not yet recovered.
After losing all hopes of her return, the selection committee excluded her name from the squad that is lined up for the Pan American Games.
While speaking to the media, Smedley said that her coach stopped her to continue practicing for the Pan American Games. She observed that the decision was taken in the best interest of her future.
She underscored, “The team needs someone at full strength and it is best for the sake of my health as well. I am totally heartbroken to be missing this tour, especially since we all put so much work and practice time in preparation for this, but everybody
was on the same page that it was the best decision for me to stay back.”
She maintained that the team’s strength is about more than a single player’s performance. She stated, “So I'll be cheering everybody on from here and will miss carrying the US flag around the field after we win!”
Smedley was replaced by Jesse Gey who was part of the squad that contested in the 2008 Olympics.
She explained that Smedley was a key player. However, she felt positive about filling her space and expressed great excitement and pleasure on being picked-up for the squad.
The Pan American Games will be quite crucial for the US, as it serves as the qualifier to the Olympic Games.
Argentina is a major hurdle for the US to head to the London Olympics, as it has lifted six back to back gold medals in the Pan American Games.
Although, US earned second position five times out of six attempts, they will have to overcome Argentina to win a ticket to 2012 London Olympics.
Lee Bodimeade, the head coach of the US women’s squad, informed that they developed strength in their squad in the last few years.
Commenting on the exclusion of Smedley, he stated that they inducted another Olympian to fill the space. In his views, Jesse will play a significant role in the team.
Although Smedley will not appear in the Pan American Games this year, she will, meanwhile, get time to regain her health and fitness for future fixtures.
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