Fellow Olympians rally around Canada’s women hockey team after gold medal loss

Photo Credit: Players from Team Canada react after being defeated by Team United States 3-2 in the overtime penalty-shot shootout during the Women's Gold Medal Game on day thirteen of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Gangneung Hockey Centre on February 22, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The women’s hockey team lost the gold to the United States and were visibly upset about it, but Team Canada is letting them know they haven't let down their country.

There was divided reaction to a clip taken of the team receiving their silver medals after a nail-biting game against the U.S. Some tears were shed, and one athlete, Jocelyne Larocque, was seen removing her medal from around her neck almost immediately after receiving it.

Nope, not interested in silver pic.twitter.com/H3fMW7ZfRW

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) February 22, 2018

Seeing the gold medal go to the U.S. was a heartbreaker for sure, and some people aren’t too stoked about the unsportsmanship-like behaviour, but others are doing their best to support the team regardless, including some fellow Olympians.

Only another athlete can probably fully understand what the team must have been feeling, and they took to social media to send some heartfelt messages to the girls.

“Keep your head up girls,” wrote Olympic figure skater Scott Moir. “What a game!”

Keep your head up girls @TeamCanada, what a game!

— Scott Moir (@ScottMoir) February 22, 2018

They played with courage, composure, and grit. We are so proud of you!!!! https://t.co/OFeBOQ5Lsc

— Tessa Virtue (@tessavirtue) February 22, 2018

His partner, Tessa Virtue, followed up on the sentiment saying “They played with courage, composure, and grit. We are so proud of you!”

Hayley Wickenheiser, six-time Olympian and owner of four Olympic gold medals in hockey also had some encouraging words that she shared in a video with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Hold your heads high @hc_women. @justintrudeau and all of Canada are very proud. Great game. 🇨🇦❤️@TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/82EUcTTX50

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) February 22, 2018

“You’re the pride of this country and you had a fantastic run,” wrote Trudeau on his personal Twitter account.

Even one of our local athletes, Andi Naude, had some kind words to share about the game.

Heavens to Betsy! What a nail-biter! Proud Canadian! Thrilled and honoured to attend the gold medal hockey match. @TeamCanada ladies fought with grace and humility until the very end, keep your heads held high! 🙏🏼🇨🇦💪🏼 #olympics #teamcanada

— Andi Naude (@andi_naude) February 22, 2018

Here are some other messages for the Women's hockey team from our amazing collection of athletes:

.@HockeyCanada you may not have won this one, but you just gave the world an amazing game to watch! Right until the end... you never let up! Keep your heads up! You are all amazing! @TeamCanada #noregrets #gocanadago pic.twitter.com/g0DefebRd5

— Heather Moyse (@HeatherMoyse) February 22, 2018

U are loved,strong & such an inspiration to the world.Exceptional women @TeamCanada #hockey who fought for us with all your heart.That’s all we care about.Hold your heads high.U made Canada proud ♥️🇨🇦 @MeghanAgosta @fortino_laura77 @natspooner5 @Mikkelson12 @pou29 ...

— Kaillie Humphries (@BobsledKaillie) February 22, 2018

Breaks my heart to see these incredible women look sad getting their silver medals! You all played so amazing and Canada is incredible proud of you!

— Rosanna Crawford (@RosannaCrawford) February 22, 2018

We're proud of you girls! Always the champions in our hearts! 🇨🇦❤🥈 @TeamCanada #Hockey 🏒

— 3.S.Dufour-Lapointe (@3_SDL) February 22, 2018

Keep your head up girls @TeamCanada, what a game!
Canada is so proud of you ❤️

— Gabrielle Daleman (@gabby_daleman) February 22, 2018

Balling my eyes out !! Girls you are still #1 In our hearts !! What a battle 😮 @TeamCanada @HockeyCanada

— PiperGilles (@PiperGilles) February 22, 2018

Outstanding game ladies! Hard to bring home silver, with a gold medal experience. You're all gold in my eyes!
Can't wait to celebrate with you xoxo #olympics #pyeongchang2018 nothing but love!

— Mercedes Nicoll (@mercedesnicoll) February 22, 2018