Fiona O'Keeffe in her own words after Olympic marathon disappointment

Recent hip injury kept former Davis High and Stanford superstar from completing her race in Paris

Fiona O'Keeffe, the former Davis High School and Stanford superstar distance runner, had to retire early from Sunday morning's Olympic women's marathon in Paris due to a nagging hip injury.

Here, in her own words, in an Instagram post written shortly after the race ended, Fiona movingly details her feelings before, during and after the race.

"Lasted about 30 seconds after dropping out of the race this morning and the waterworks hit. I wanted so badly to be able to represent Team USA to the best of my ability this morning, and I fell far short of that goal.

"Much as I wanted to show the fitness we worked so hard to cultivate over this block, what hurts most is feeling I’ve let people down.

"Just last Friday I had a great last track session and was feeling rock-solid, but over the weekend started feeling some tightness in my left hip that progressed quickly to pain in the following days. The team doctors assessed me Wednesday and determined that I should get an MRI, which came back clear.

"Since there was no fear of long-term damage, I remained optimistic and tried to wrap my head around competing on the Olympic stage. We had to take it day by day, and my body unfortunately didn’t come around in time.

"The decision to start is not one I take lightly and was all mine. Unfortunately, by the time I had enough information to make a call, it was past the deadline to sub in an alternate. But I couldn’t let go of that sliver of hope that I’d wake up this morning and be good to go.

"Thank you so much to everyone who’s reached out - your support means so much. My teammates, agent, sponsor, friends, coaches, family. I wish I could have done more today.

"Next time I line up, it will be with love and gratitude in my heart for all of you. For now, going to be looking for answers on the hip and how I can show up better next time.

"Lastly, it’s been an honor to be a part of this Olympic team and witness incredible performances across the whole distance crew! So inspired watching Dakotah Lindwurm and Emily Sisson run with such heart today."

As Fiona must know by now after an incredible outpouring of love and support from her fans all over the world, she did not let anyone down.

In fact, just the opposite.

Lining up to start the marathon, knowing that her hip was not responding well, was an act of extreme courage and humility.

Indeed, Fiona, you are an inspiration to us all.

Reach me at bobdunning@thewaryone.com.