Rachel Homan receives support while "struggling beyond words" in wake of mixed doubles exit

The Olympic Winter Games have not worked out for Canadian curler Rachel Homan so far.

At PyeongChang 2018, she skipped the women's team which went out in the round robin.

This time at Beijing 2022, she and John Morris suffered a shock mixed doubles defeat to Australia before a final loss to eventual winners Italy left her out of medal contention again.

On Tuesday night (February 15), she took to social media to celebrate her "childhood best friend" Ivanie Blondin helping Canada to team pursuit speed skating gold.

But her reply to her own message gave a stark indication of the despair she has felt since falling short in Beijing.

She wrote, "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.

"Know that I'm cheering hard for every athlete in Beijing right now but personally struggling beyond words."

Following Homan and Morris' early exit, there has been plenty of support to with Curling Canada's national team programme manager Elaine Dagg-Jackson telling the National Post, "We always are considering athletes as people first. Their personal wellness, their personal health, and building relationships with them is the most important thing.

"Whatever they do on the ice, we’re incredibly proud of their achievements. They are the best at what they do and Rachel Homan has proven it again and again.”

“I just want to give her a hug, honestly,” Canadian women’s third Kaitlyn Lawes added.

“She has nothing to feel ashamed of. She’s a two-time Olympian and worked her butt off. With sport, you never know what’s going to happen and that’s why we play. There are brighter days ahead for her.”

Ottawa-born Homan, 32, has been one of Canada's top curlers for the