OLYMPICS
Sorry I have been out of touch since I left for Korea. I’m
sure you already know the results, but let me fill you in on what went on
during the Olympic month!
I went into the games wearing the number 1 Bib. Of course,
people kept asking me if that made the pressure higher than it already is for
the Olympics, but I kept saying it helped my confidence. I stand by that and believe
that I was more confident wearing that number one bib because I know I had the
potential to Win. After my first qualifications run I was in 5th
place and had the opportunity to take part in opening ceremonies that night.
Opening Ceremonies were definitely a highlight of the
Olympics. It was truly incredible walking into the stadium behind the flag with
all of Team USA. You could feel the excitement and the buildup of the games as
we stormed through the stadium. Walking through the arena with so many
incredible athletes who have all dedicated their lives to be here was so
inspiring and motivating!
Finals came a day later. I skied my first finals run (top 12
advance) and went into 2nd position. I was moving up and was fired
up for the next round of 12. Unfortunately, I made some minor mistakes in my
run. Standing at the bottom, waiting for my score I knew I had made a mistake
but I was still confident I would advance to the final round (Top 6). My score
was announced and I was in 6th place with one girl left to ski. The
previous Gold Medalist. I knew that was it, my Olympic experience was over. My
heart dropped and I felt sick. Not getting that one last run, one final shot at
the podium was nauseating and heartbreaking. Looking back up at course I wanted
more, more than anything I wanted that final run to put everything on the line,
but I didn’t get it. That was the hardest part, the one thing I struggled to
move past. Knowing it was over and I didn’t get to put up a fight…
I tried to look from a different perspective. My mom asked
later that night if I was doing okay and I told her “I just got 7th
at the Olympics and that’s really cool!” As heartbroken as I was, I had a lot
to celebrate and be thankful for. I just competed in the Olympics (accomplishing
a huge goal!!) and was hanging in Korea with my Family and friends who came all
the way here to cheer me on! Of course, I knew I could have done better, I
still achieved a lot and learned so much about myself. If someone had told me I
would have finished 7th a few months ago, I would have been stoked!
A few years ago, I was aiming for the 2022 Olympics and didn’t think that I
would ever be at the 2018 Olympics. I am hungrier than ever for the next
Olympics and know what I need to do to prepare over the next 4 years. These Olympics
were not the end of the World, the end of my career or even the end of this
season. I still have a lot left to accomplish and am looking forward to it!
Since our event finished early in the Games, we were able to
hang around be spectators for the rest of the month! I went to as many events
as I could and took in the whole experience! It was so cool to watch other Team
USA members go for Gold and put their hearts on the line. It was truly a once
in a lifetime opportunity and am so thankful I was able to enjoy it all!
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