YEEEESSSSS!!!! One down one to go……

I know it’s only the first step, but without placing in the top three at the Olympic Trials my dream of going to the Olympics wouldn’t exist. I felt prepared, my rounds went perfectly, but after 2007, I just wasn’t 100 percent sure. The nightmares of a fourth place finish haunted my mind quite a few times but as quickly as they came I dispelled them with my overwhelming desire to go to the Olympics in my specialty event.  The weather at the meet had been incredible with warm days and mostly mild winds, but after the two-day break, the weather started to deteriorate a bit. It was much cooler and windier on the final than I would have liked and that played a huge role in my race strategy. I usually go out pretty fast and lead for the first 200m, but this time I didn’t. I think it made some people nervous but I knew by conserving a bit more during the second 100meters, I’d have the strongest finish. I had no idea that I won by one second - Mary Wineburg felt so close coming off the curve. I just kept my eyes focused on the finish line and on my goals. I was overcome with joy and a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders as I ran through the line! I’ve worked so hard to make this team and I can’t wait to go to Beijing!

I also feel so blessed to have such great sponsors that all believe in me. Nike gave me a special uniform to debut at the meet and I felt so honored to wear it. In the final I wore the swift gloves and swift socks that are made to reduce drag in the wind. I think they’re very effective but I also think they look incredible. The front of my uniform was also a tribute to the amazing print on the back of our Olympic uniform. Unfortunately it may be difficult to see because it’s blue on blue, but at least some people will continue to get a glimpse before the Games. I also felt the love and energy from my Coke family. They sent me encouraging letters everyday and I know it’s always a gamble when companies pick athletes before we even make the Olympic team and I’m so happy that so many companies did. AT&T also had a booth set up for me after the race that allowed tons of fans to come by and get autographs. Nike did the same the next day and I was overwhelmed by the number of people that waited in line to get my autograph. They were all so pleasant and had nothing but really nice things to say! The Nutrilite Company also sent me flowers before my preliminary round and sent their well wishes and hopes for another Olympic trip. The Hershey Company, and Q-Ray have been on board for a while and they are always wishing me the best. I always try to find reasons to run fast and accomplish my goals but this year it was made easy by all the wonderful people I met through these sponsorships. I know it’s just the beginning but I’ve learned to enjoy every victory and I am really enjoying this one!

Until next time……

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 6th, 2008 at 4:59 am and is filed under sanyarichards. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.