Defeated Australian sprinter Ebony Lane has issued a sharp statement after missing out on a place on the relay team at the Paris Olympics.
The ‘sad’ athlete from Echuca in Victoria took to social media to express her surprise at being excluded from the women’s 4x100m relay ahead of Thursday’s heats.
Lane, 25, claims she was not given a reason why she was the unlucky one left out and ended her Olympic campaign before it had even begun.
The national selection committee selected five sprinters to represent Australia in Paris. However, because there were only four relay spots available, one runner was always eliminated.
“I think I did enough to be on that team with the season I had,” a disappointed Lane wrote.
‘I just missed out on qualifying for the 100 metres at the Olympics, I came third at the National Championships, second at the Oceania Championships, I was part of the team that qualified for the Olympics and I won several races this year, but then I dropped out of the relay without knowing why.
“I’m fit, healthy and ready to go. I’ve been working really hard all year for this moment.
‘I will continue to support and encourage the girls on the team through this experience.
Australian Olympic sprinter Ebony Lane (pictured) was eliminated from the women’s 4x100m relay team
Lane (pictured) said of her dismissal: ‘I feel like I’ve done enough to be on that team with the season I’ve had’
“I have amazing people around me and thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far. On to next year.”
With Lane out of the race, the Australian team consisted of Ella Connolly, Kristie Edwards, Bree Masters and Torrie Lewis on the final leg.
The decision surprised fans, as Lane was part of the relay team that broke the Australian record at the Sydney Track Classic in March with a time of 42.95.
That team also included Australia’s fastest woman, Lewis, as well as Masters and Connolly.
Lane’s teammates finished fourth in their heat on Thursday, behind the US, Germany and Switzerland.
They missed the final by 0.11 seconds.
The Australian men also failed to progress in the 4x100m heats shortly afterwards, but did achieve a new national record.
Australia finished fifth in their heat