faster than a flash of lightning … and it’s the smallest margin of time
measured in our (and many different types of) sport.
practically unseen extra moment of time.
brought out all the high-speed cameras and crazy, complicated devices to
measure power output – all compiling data to try and find that extra hundredth
in perhaps a better foot strike or arm angle …
six of these one-hundredths of a second have been the exact margin of
difference that snuck its way between me and that “next level” of
achievement … twice in two weeks.
0.06 secondsfrom 10th place in Lake Placid and 0.06 seconds from bronze in Park City.
however be no confusing what was a stellar result with this sounding like a
potential complaint. No chance!
extremely proud of what was achieved this past week. I knew I could slide in
Park City with more authority than I had demonstrated in the week prior. I knew
I had it in me to push among the heavy hitters. I believed in myself and
trusted my lines. At the same time, I acknowledged the reality of the
exponential work that is still required.
filled with both success and lessons. The race was much of the same.
to driving the rental suburban back to the airport and catching our flight to
Vancouver (via Seattle). Mel, Sarah, and I pumped the Bon Iver tunes and
enjoyed our last look, bidding farewell to the Utah rolling hills.
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| A panoramic view from above the Park City Track |
Twelve checked bags and at least four full-body pat-downs later, we were
herded down the ramp. Almost the entire Canadian team, some Euros, a couple
Kiwis and Aussies boarded the Delta B-757-200 with the rest of the passengers.
Sporting our team jackets, huge noise-cancelling headphones around our necks,
helmets and Adidas bags in tow – we all squished our way into the flying
sardine tin.
seat (thankfully) in an emergency row (26C) next to two smartly-dressed
gentlemen – both in dark-rimmed glasses, one in his 20s and the other
likely in his early 50s.
like a veritable buffet in here – a feast for the eyes,” the older
gentleman proclaimed.
” I questioned with a raised right eyebrow.
for a gay man — or perhaps a young lady like yourself!”
into an entirely genuine laugh, to which he joined in. ” Well, yes I
suppose so … ” I said.
exchange preceded a multitude of questions about our sport and the who’s-who of
our world – to which I was happy to explain.
new team that boarded he kept saying, “I can’t wait to tell all my
freshmen about this!”
professor from Seattle, as he would introduce himself to me – brought a unique
attitude about this whole business of the elite/ professional athlete. Sure, he
objectified the men to their simplest form, but it was done in a light-hearted
way — and it brought about a reminder that our world is so insanely obscure to “the outsiders” that it’s beautiful!
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| Rookie’s first WC medal |
As athletes, coaches and support staff – we are wrapped up in it daily –
the monotonous routines, the limited alone time, the distance between ourselves
and our loved ones… it becomes the norm – and it can also quickly
become tough. In our bubble, we tend to forget to occasionally breathe
deep, step back and take it all in. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens —
enjoy the smallest parts of a much bigger picture.
Whistler, BC – Woman’s Skeleton is Friday Nov 23 at 10am PST, Men’s Skeleton Saturday Nov 24 at 3pm PST
on the BobSkelTV youtube channel.
“Once you figure out what you want in life—expect nothing less.” -Lorii Myers
