Homan in 'deepest black hole' following mixed doubles curling loss at Beijing Games

Support from the curling community came pouring in Wednesday after Rachel Homan said she was in "the deepest of black holes" after missing the playoffs at the Beijing Games.

"I just want to give her a hug honestly, she has nothing to feel ashamed of," said Canadian women's team vice Kaitlyn Lawes. "She's a two-time Olympian and worked her butt off."

Homan and mixed doubles partner John Morris dropped an 8-7, extra-end decision to Italy last week. The loss — confirmed on a measurement by the smallest of margins— dashed their hopes of reaching the semifinals.

The three-time national champion said she avoided social media since missing the cut at the Ice Cube, admitting in a tweet that she was having a hard time with the loss.

"Being completely honest because I know many athletes have felt this but I'm in the deepest of black holes wishing we could have found another centimetre for Canada," Homan said of the measurement. "Know that I'm cheering hard for every athlete in Beijing right now but personally struggling beyond words."

I never take the maple leaf for granted and am grateful for the chance to fight for you all ❤️