Thanks
Though there is more to say on this issue, I’ve decided to let my Olympic fight rest for a few days and take a little break from my personal drama to cheer for my friends at the Games. During that time, I wanted to take a bit of blog space to talk about the heroes of my cause.
I was incredibly touched by the support and effort of Bank of America, one of my primary sponsors. They stood up beside me and said that this situation needed to be made right. Their email and the copy of the letter that they sent on to the USOC was one of my emotional turning points in this situation. Their ability to cut through the bureaucracy, recognize the human side of the situation, and stand up for the little guy shows that they truly sponsor the Olympic Ideal rather than just the Olympics. Knowing that they were on my side, when I had been so disillusioned about others, gave me faith that I still had value as a person and an athlete.
Likewise, the interest and outrage of many members of the media has made me realize that it is not just me saying “Hey, what the heck!” Many journalists have referred to this blog or taken the time to email or call me to find out what is going on and how this situation could have come about. Among others, this story has been covered by Karen Crouse of the New York Times, Christine Brennan of the USA Today, Elliot Almond of the San Jose Mercury News, Ron Judd of the Seattle Times, Annette Griffus of the Kitsap Sun, Philip Hersh of the Chicago Tribune, and Lisa Dillman of the LA Times. This story could have been buried but these members of the press wouldn’t let that happen.
My lawyer, Michael Dockterman, has been inspiring in his dedication to doing what is right. He is tireless in his efforts to protect not only me but also the integrity of our sport and the Olympics from flawed rules, flawed logic, and flawed intentions. It has been a great pleasure to watch his passion in defending the ideals that have been the basis of my dream for the last four years.
It is also worth pointing out that I would not have made it past square one if it weren’t for my coaches. When I first heard the news of the positive test I put in an email inquiry to USA swimming but did not receive a reply. I may have not even noticed that something was wrong if not for Lea, who set me on the path of discovery and propped me up emotionally when I was too tired to continue.
I’d also like to recognize the courage of Natalie Coughlin, co-captain of the Olympic team, who offered me support during this situation both publicly and privately. This was certainly something that she did not have to do, especially when she is preparing for competition, but she did. It’s just another example of her class.
Finally, my family, friends, and fans who kept me going and sent me messages. Unless you’ve been through this experience, I’m not sure that it’s possible to understand the emotional roller coaster that is involved. But whenever I get down, I log onto my blog and check out the comments or read your emails and facebook messages and my strength to continue is restored.
All of this support has helped me reach the point that we are at today and your continued support will help me see this through to the end. But for now, let’s take a few days to enjoy the highest level of competition that our sport has to offer. Go Team USA!
August 11th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
This post shows how gracious and warm you are during such a difficult time. What has happened to you in the past couple of weeks has been tremendously difficult and I think you have been wronged. As you so eloquently put it, the beauty of swimming is that it is a black and white sport. You got the third best time and so when the first best time was disqualified, you should have been allowed to compete.
I am just an average American who loves watching the olympics and I recognize the injustice with which you have been treated. I admire you very much for your attitude throughout this ordeal and I hope you know that even though you have been unjustly denied the right to compete in this olympics, you are still inspiring average Americans like myself with your gracious attitude. The ability to have a good attitude during bad times is the hallmark of a good athlete.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Ugh!
Tara - I saw you on What Not to Wear and made a mental note to watch for you in the Olympics. I did a quick search online to see when you’d be competing. Sorry to find you subject to this rotten twist of fate.
Don’t cave. Follow-up on whatever avenues of recourse that may be available to you.
If the Olympics are your dream, get back in the pool. We’ll remember you in 4 yrs, we will support you and will love the human interest around your victories.
These prizes are rightfully yours. Delayed but not denied.
Best wishes.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Tara, so GREAT to hear of the support you are receiving! I guess it is always important to remember what is MOST important, that is the support of your friends and family and of course one’s health! The emotional roller coaster ride is not one you signed up for, but with grace and dignity you have survived the ride. albeit w/o the support of USA Swimming. I am sure you would have even more emails of support, but since Universal Sports have changed their web address and format, it is a little tricky to find your blog! We are enjoying supporting Team USA in Beijing, but we do think of you and know this is where we should be seeing you. We know in the end something GOOD will come of this….if only now we had the crystal ball to know what that will be. But, we DO know is it will be MOST beneficial for YOU!
August 14th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I just wanted to say that you are a class act! You are showing all of the qualities that makes a good athlete a great one!
August 17th, 2008 at 10:36 am
[…] Thanks Though there is more to say on this issue, I’ve decided to let my Olympic fight rest for afew days and take a little break from my personal drama to cheer for my friends at the Games. During that time, I wanted to take a bit of blog space to talk about the […] […]
August 24th, 2008 at 6:41 am
[…] Thanks Though there is more to say on this issue, I’ve decided to let my Olympic fight rest for a few days and take a little break from my personal drama to cheer for my friends at the Games. During that time, I wanted to take a bit of blog space to talk about the […] […]
August 30th, 2008 at 7:22 am
[…] Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All (FAQs) Phoenix is back with four new cases of off-the-wall courtroom drama. Thanks Though there is more to say on this issue, I’ve decided to let my Olympic fight rest for a few days and take a little break from my personal drama to cheer for my friends at the Games. During that time, I wanted to take a bit of blog space to talk about the […] […]
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 am
[…] Thanks Though there is more to say on this issue, I’ve decided to let my Olympic fight rest for a few days and take a little break from my personal drama to cheer for my friends at the Games. During that time, I wanted to take a bit of blog space to talk about the […] […]