Now that I have been home from Beijing almost a week, I have had some time to think about all that transpired this last month. The Olympics will still forever be the greatest event the world can put on. It brings together so many people and allows us all to look past what is right in front of us to see a much bigger and more beautiful picture.
I am not going to lie, coming away from the games with a silver medal instead of a gold was not how we pictured the games to end. But looking back, I have realized a lot more than what one game can define. Our team was able to travel this beautiful country for the last eight months and meet and greet millions of children, parents, coaches, and people that love this sport we play.
I felt that when we had USA across our chest, we represented this country more than we ever have in the past. These were the people I heard from immediately after our loss. Emails came flooding in from those I hardly knew, but had some how connected with along this incredible journey.
And EVERY SINGLE ONE did not talk about disappointment (which was what I initially felt after the loss -- disappointing all those that are back home), but rather how proud everyone is of this team, and of the women that wear the uniforms. The words I have read these last few weeks have made more of an impact on me then any other time in my life, and I have never felt more proud to be an American.
There are countries where athletes are from that if they lose, they ARE a disappointment and their life and goals become defined by their athletic outcome. But I have found that as much as I want to win, there is only so much we can control in life. Our team did all we could to get to the top of the podium, but it was just not our day.
I look back and think more about the experience and opportunity being an Olympian has given me. And what that opportunity has given me to reach so many more ... a gold medal is a beautiful thing, but to be an Olympian, an Olympian that represents none other than the United States of America, there is nothing that could put a brighter smile on my face.
Thank You.
