Canada's opening ceremonies flag bearer at the London Games, Simon Whitfield, had his Olympic dreams come to a crashing halt on Tuesday at Hyde Park. Whitfield crashed during the early stages of the Men's Triathlon, prematurely ending his Olympic games.

PHOTO CREDIT - Olympic.ca

London - August 7, 2012 - Simon Whitfield’s Olympic momentum came to a halting stop Tuesday at Hyde Park.

Not yet in his cycling shoes after an excellent 15th-place swim in the men’s triathlon, Whitfield (Victoria, BC) got caught up in an early crash, veering into a road barrier and ultimately ending any hope of a medal for the Olympic champion and 2012 flag bearer.

Whitfield’s pre-Games message continues to resonate in spite of adversity.

“I love our sport and I’ve dreamed about the Olympics since I was a little kid,” said Whitfield before his fourth Olympic race. ”It’s a privilege to be the one who will lead this amazing team of Canadian athletes who have dedicated their lives to achieving their Olympic dream.”