"Never doubt your program," he said, once I had finally finished my rant. He is right. But, I too was right. I was right to say what I needed to say. After all, I have never done well holding in my fears and insecurities through all this .... Then again, no one claimed the life of a transitioned athlete was easy.
From spiking over nets on the hard courts, to beating down the Mondo track, it wasn't until 2009 that I finally landed on ice, face first, sliding on a lunch tray at 135km/h. Talk about diversifying your athletic portfolio. And while each sport has lent a certain something to the next, this journey continues to test the limits of my body, my mind and my heart - daily.
As I look around my Calgary, Alberta home (away from home), the sun sinks behind the mountains in the distance and a cool northern wind signals winter's return - suddenly, I spot a beacon in the dusk sky. It's the highest ski jump tower at Canada Olympic Park.
When I first moved here in 2009, that '88 Winter Olympic monument was like something straight out of a storybook. It was the only point of reference I had to exactly where I'd be training and sliding, before I'd done either. I even sometimes used it as a landmark if I (heaven forbid) got turned around while navigating the city. Outside of our drive by encounters, the tower and I have a very silent relationship. Emblazoned with the Olympic rings, it serves as a constant answer to the question I find myself asking - particularly after a muscle crushing workout or bruised-up session on the ice - "What am I doing?!
Thankfully, as my rookie days have quickly turned into less intimidating podium finishing nights, the tower has begun to feel like an old familiar friend - helping me push through. Because while I am a part of the Canadian team, proudly working with both seasoned veterans and newcomers to achieve our very best, when I put my sled down on that ice for Canadian Selections this October, it will only be me. One athlete racing one clock.
So when the electronic bell cues my start and the ice flies beneath my spikes - it will, as always, be nice to know that my huge cement giant (holding the memories of the world coming together through the power of sport) is dutifully watching over me.
congrats cass looks great!!!!