Linda Caicedo, nothing to forgive... (opinion)

“We apologize for not winning,” he said. Linda Caycedo to the country, to Colombia, and his voice was a mixture of nostalgia with stoicism. It was a voice that did not break, although inside it was perhaps an overflowing fountain. A voice that did not tremble, although perhaps inside it was an earthquake of sensations. And the country that listened to her responded firmly: sorry for what, Linda? No no no. You don’t have to apologize.

Because what you, Linda, and your wonderful group of warriors did at the U-17 World Cup in India was write a magical page on Colombian sports, a page that has verses about baseball, goal rhymes with yellow butterflies fluttering in each move.

Photo:

AFP – Archive THE TIME

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because you did make history, you were our first selection in a final of the fifa. Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because they were also an honest, humble and hard-working team, who left a mark at every step.

(You may be interested in: Linda Caicedo: the distinctions that certify her as a World Cup star)

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because you, behind a ball, were a country, you were a nation: because that waste of talent, that tireless dedication, that combative spirit on the pitch, wrapped in that yellow, blue and red flag that you defended with honor , that is also called homeland.

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because forgiveness is asked for by those who break a promise, and you did not fail. You, on the contrary, made a hole of hope in that World Cup, and it is a hope in our sport, in our fights, in our players. They did not fail, Linda, they complied, they gave the superhuman effort to win, you fell, as the old metaphor says, with your boots on. Rather, let us agree that you did not fall, you lost a final against Spain playing with courage.

Colombia Women’s U-17 National Team

Photo:

Colombian Football Federation

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because they fought for that cup they longed for, yes, the one that kept you, Linda, from sleeping the night before, but don’t forget that in return you bring back, in your heart, the satisfaction of duty fulfilled, with pride through the roof, and they can look everyone in the eye, with their nobility, of course, and they can shout without shouting that they don’t stop watching them play, that they give them everything they need, what was promised and what wasn’t fiance.

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because you, an under-17 team, they sowed a seed of greatness for this team, a real manifestation of the capacity of women’s football, evidence that you can dream big, face the adversities of the game and battle until that definitive moment in which football, relentless as always, Decide who screams champions and who doesn’t.

(Also read: Colombia, runner-up in the world!! The U-17 women’s team makes history)

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because if someone was not convinced, if someone had doubts or reserved their emotions with women’s football, this performance is a certificate with a notary seal. Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because you made the world turn to look at you with emotion, with joy, and you aroused an interest that was dormant in our own baseball feats.

Not apologizing, Linda, because you were a believable display of talent. Her gazelle speed, her command of the ball, her skill with it, is to be admired.

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because along with you there were some players who radiated exemplary collective work. You helped each other on the court, you gave each other a toast, you fulfilled the tasks assigned by your DT. If there was an award for solidarity and teamwork, that was also yours.

Not asking for forgiveness, Linda, because you not only spoke on the court, outside you transmitted some accurate words, some poised messages, as if you were also training to give each statement.

Not to apologize, Linda, because you are not second, you are runners-up in the world. And that’s big, Linda, very big.

PAUL ROMERO
Editor of THE TIME
@PabloRomeroET