David Beckham's Olympic dream has evaporated before it ever got off the ground.
Beckham revealed in a statement on Thursday that he will not be part of Team Great Britain at the upcoming London Olympics, an event he was eager to participate in after helping London win the bid.
"Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me, so I would have been honored to have been part of this unique Team GB squad," Beckham said. "Naturally, I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me. And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold."
Beckham, 37, would have occupied one of three overage spots on the Team GB roster, but instead those spots have reportedly gone to Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Ryan Giggs as well as Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards. The LA Galaxy midfielder missed out despite being the focus of scouting trips by Team GB manager Stuart Pearce, who was at The Home Depot Center on multiple occasions this year.
Even though he won't have the opportunity to participate in an Olympic event, Beckham has already played a prominent role in bringing the Games to his native Great Britain. In April, Beckham was part of the contingent that received the Olympic torch in Greece on behalf of the United Kingdom, and then helped the flame get its start on its trek across the UK.
Such ambassadorial roles are seemingly what's left for Beckham, who may still participate in the Olympics in a similar capacity. Playing for Team GB or not, Beckham said he is still looking forward to the historic event.
"As a Londoner, I have been really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town," he said, "and I can't wait for the Games to begin."
