'The hurt is real, and it's big,' Kitchener's Sarah Pavan says of Olympic loss

Kitchener's Sarah Pavan says she can't help but feel disappointed she won't make the podium in Rio.

"There was so much more to be done, and it will take a while to recover from this one," the beach volleyball player wrote on Facebook following Canada's loss to Germany on Sunday.

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"Many of you will say that we just had a bad game, that the Germans played very well (which they did), that this is just the beginning, and that there is more to come. All of those things are true, but as someone who has devoted my life to sport, and who has dreamed of this opportunity for the last 25 years, the hurt is real, and it's big."

Among 'best team in the world'

Pavan and partner Heather Bansley of Waterdown, Ont., lost 0-2 in quarterfinal action. The two had said they were only interested in coming home with a gold medal.

"When we are playing to our potential, we are up there with the best teams in the world," Bansley told CBC Sports before The Olympic Games.

In her post Monday, Pavan wrote that the support from Canadians has been overwhelming.

"I must admit that I have been brought to tears quite a few times today reading your messages. I'm sorry that we are not able to stand on the podium, but these past couple of weeks have made me prouder than ever to be Canadian," she wrote.

Pavan inspiring to others

All those who commented on Pavan's post said they were proud of her – gold medal or not.

"You have no idea how inspiring you are. We went to Grand Bend yesterday and my three hockey playing sons played beach volleyball for the entire day. To say you are inspiring the youth of Canada would be an understatement," one woman wrote.

Some shared memories of Pavan as a little girl helping her father as he coached indoor volleyball at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute in Kitchener. He later coached his daughter as well.

"I remember Sarah chasing after the volleyballs during practices," one person wrote.

Another shared a similar memory and wrote, "To see you in the Olympics was amazing! Your talent, drive and determination is something to be proud of … you made Canada proud."

Read Pavan's full post: