Reflecting on Beijing
Although things didn’t go as planned I still had a wonderful experience in Beijing! It was an amazing city and they did a fantastic job hosting the Olympics. The village was the nicest I’d ever seen, the transportation was on time and clean, the volunteers were always very friendly and helpful, and not to mention the BIRD’S NEST!!! It was unreal. The most beautiful track and field structure I have ever seen. The intricate design, the attention to detail, the lights.everything was breathtaking! I was disappointed, but to leave Beijing with two medals is actually a dream come true. So many of my peers came and left with nothing. It’s funny in 2004 I would have gave my right arm for a bronze medal and this year I was displeased. I know I was physically prepared for gold, but sometimes it takes time for our mental to catch up to our physical. I was overwhelmed! I let everything get to me. My lane draw, the meaning of the meet, the weight of my country, everything! If it had been a normal meet and I felt a cramp in my leg, I would have completed the race and told my coach about it after, but this time was different! I made it get the best of me and I panicked! I knew what was on the line and for about 13 seconds I allowed it to get me out of my game.
It’s over now and Christine and Shericka are the gold and silver medalists. I am thrilled for them because I know like me, they worked hard and prayed for this moment as well. Four years only seems far away now but I remember how quickly the last four passed and I just can’t wait, God willing, to have the opportunity again. I know there are a lot of meets and Championships in the interim and I hope to have success there as well. However right now I’m just counting my blessings and they far outweigh any negative I could think of!
Until next time