Sanford fails to reach 400m semi-final
American-born finishes 10 split-seconds off qualifying time.
Andrew Sherwood is the Jewish News Sport and Community Editor
Donald Sanford saw his hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the men’s 400m fall just short.
Finished his heat in fifth place in a time of 46.06, he ended up in 33th place overall, just ten split-seconds behind the semi-final qualifying time.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “I want to thank everyone for all their support and encouragement throughout this year. It swells my heart to know so many of you have showed me so much love. With that being said, I’m a bit disappointed because competing in the Olympics has always been my dream. The last four months have been the hardest months of my life to say the least. Despite all my efforts to get myself in the position to compete at a level I know I can, it wasn’t possible. I was raised on faith and never giving up, being extremely optimistic no matter what the circumstances maybe. A laundry list of injuries that didn’t end. I’ve dealt with those injuries only way I know how… Like a solider. No excuses no exceptions, I didn’t do what needed to be done.
“I want to say thank to my coach Igor Balon, who has worked endlessly for months and did everything he could possibly do to get me ready for the Games. We gave it our best shot. Thank you to one and only personal sponsor Yoav Ben-Avi which my National Olympic Committee helped me obtain. Words can describe how thankful I am for his support.
“Thank you to my family and friends and people of Israel for your support. Nothing makes me happier than representing for you all. Last but not least my two daughters, who have given me true happiness… It’s all for you my baby girls. The next journey… Tokyo 2020.”
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