PARIS, France — Metro Atlanta's Daniel Haugh was stunned on Friday after he was eliminated shortly into qualifications in the men's hammer throw.
Haugh, a Marietta native and Kennesaw State University alum, was competing in his second Olympics but fouled out after he stepped out a fraction of an inch during competition after three throws. It resulted in a no mark and Haugh will not be advancing after he fouled out on all three throws.
After being eliminated, Haugh spoke with 11Alive's Faith Jessie and was in good spirits, smiling and said that it was heartbreaking because he felt like his last throw was solid.
Haugh's parents spoke with 11Alive shortly after he fouled out, maintaining their positive mood among the tough news their son would no longer be competing in Paris.
"You know, there's not any words at all. I have no words for how proud we are," Haugh's mother, Yvonne, said while getting emotional.
"He's just worked hard for a lot of years. Very proud that the fact he made it to a second Olympics, which is pretty spectacular. A pretty small percentage of the people in the world that can say that," his father, Jordan, explained.
Despite being eliminated, the 29-year-old Haugh still has his ultimate sights and goals set on getting gold in Los Angeles during the 2028 Olympics.
"One thing that Daniel has always been dogmatic about is perseverance ... you know, being an Olympian, that's all it is. It's perseverance. I mean, not just him, but everybody that's here. I mean, the sacrifices that you make in your life personally, financially. To be able to call yourself an Olympian is all about perseverance," his mom said.