After their 2-1 victory over New Zealand in their first group stage match, Canadian women’s soccer defender Kailen Giles stated in an interview that the players on the Canadian team are well aware of the Olympic spirit and do not consider themselves “serial cheaters.”
Prior to their first group stage match, the Canadian women’s soccer team was caught using a drone to spy on their opponents’ training session. Following this incident, the Canadian Olympic Committee issued a statement announcing that head coach Bev Priestman had been suspended pending the results of an independent investigation.
Speaking about this scandal, Giles said, “To be honest, the current situation is tough. As players, we feel frustrated and ashamed because these actions do not align with our values or what it means to be an Olympian.”
“The Olympics embody fair play. As Canadians, cheating is not part of our values. We are not serial cheaters. Although it’s been very difficult, we know how to stay united.”
“Now it’s up to us to remain united and not let social media impact our performance.”