Wow. I am in aw of the athletes in this past Olympics. Every
four years athletes come back to challenge the best in the world. The one thing
that amazes me the most is that they all have a story to tell. They all have
hardships and they all continue on their dreams of bringing home the gold.
I cannot fathom the idea that with every Olympics new world
records are still being broken. Each year athletes are fighting and training
harder than ever before for that one chance; that one chance to be remembered
forever. I think the idea that there can always be someone better in the future
really boggles my mind. With the help of technology and new studies, athletes
are training more efficiently and accurately than ever before. To me, this is a
world of opportunity. There are always barriers to be broken and goals to be
reached.
I think my favourite part of the games is the reactions of
the athletes as they see their results and realize they have really achieved
greatness; that after years and even lives of training for that one moment,
gold isn’t just a dream anymore, it’s a reality. Seeing this one moment in time
makes me emotional and hopeful that one day it too will happen to me. Maybe
that feeling won’t first come with the Olympics, but it will come one day when
I can celebrate my story. Every single athlete in the Olympics so far has had a
story to tell of their own. They have all had hardships and they all continue
on their dreams of representing their countries and fulfilling their dreams.
This last month of August has been so awesome and the best
part of my summer for sure. I worked a full week with a bunch of crazy 9 year
olds at a sports day camp in Collingwood and really enjoyed my time working for
Active Life Conditioning. Wakestock weekend was definitely a highlight. I had
so much fun seeing all my ex ski racer friends. It’s crazy how much everyone
has matured and grown up but I still feel like some things just never change
and I will always have a crazy fun time with them regardless of how much our lives
have gone down different paths. It’s just 2 weeks away that I have my “final”
check up with the doc and can’t wait to see what he has in store for me with my
return to snow. Although this is super exciting and I know skiing is just
around the corner for me, I am sad to say good bye to all my old and new
friends heading away to school.
As summer is coming to a close I know that this past year has
been the best one yet. Even though I have fought through injury for the last 6
months I have gained some things that I know I couldn’t have learned on the
hill. Last season I didn’t have the mental strength I have now. I know now that
when I stand in the start gate I have so much more to give in ski racing and in
life. If for whatever reason my ski racing career ends in the near future
(which I hope it doesn’t) I know I will be successful with whatever, and where
ever life takes me. I can stand in the gate and go as hard as I can every run
without a doubt in my mind. I finally feel free of stress and pressure and as
confident as ever… and I haven’t even skied yet!! Can’t wait to rip it up…
Julia.
