Panamanian Runner Jumps Out Of Blocks, Disqualified at Olympics

The Panamanian Edward Alonso was disqualified and removed from the 200 meter dash competition at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, because of a false start. Edward was in lane five and like the other runners, he got in position to leave, but surprisingly, he took off before the gun sounded. The referee immediately disqualified him, so he had to retire without competing.

All hopes were pinned on Edward, after the other six Panamanians who have already competed failed to qualify in their respective sports, and after the Olympic champion Irving Saladino committed three fouls in his three attempts and did not qualify in the long jump competition.

In an interview with Angel Valdes in London for TVN and TVMAX, the runner Alonso Edward lamented his performance, and offered his apologies to the Panamanian people. Edward said he trained well, but he was anxious, he had placed a lot of pressure on himself, and he takes it as serious. He said he is talking with his coach and agent about the experience. At the end of the interview, Edward thanked the Panamanian people for the support they gave him, and he promised the next time he competes, it won't happen again. (TVN)

Editor's Comment: The excuses for Alonso Edward's performance instantly flooded Twitter as soon as he jumped out of the blocks and was disqualified. His brother was in the studio and said "he's young, just 22 years old and he turns 23 this year." In fact that's relatively ancient in the Olympics. They said "he was nervous" - but he faced the exact same challenge as the rest of the athletes. Then someone tried to blame the Panamanian government for not providing enough resources to the Panamanian athletes - so it became a political issue in less than two minutes. At least Alonso Edwards himself manned-up, recognized that he screwed up, apologized, asked for forgiveness, and said "it won't happen again." I just wish people would simply say the truth - "He Blew It" - and leave it at that. Why make excuses, try to shift blame or responsibility, or rationalize? It makes no sense. There's always the next race. Good luck in the future, but the dude screwed up today.