Wednesday, January 20, 2010

GOING TO THE SHOW!!

The moment my dreams were realized was probably one of the most incredible moments in my life. I was not positive things would go my way this year and I knew if I were to make the 2010 Olympic Team I would have to do so fighting my way on it. I can not explain the overwhelming feeling of relief when my name was announced on the roster. My coach thought that I didn’t hear things correctly because I was so quick to leave the meeting to call my family, who has been amazing this year dealing and feeling every emotion along with me. The number of people it took for me to get to where I am today is too many to count. My mom said it best when she said ‘Emily you have been training for this your whole life.’ I never thought of it this way, but she is right. From gymnastics to college track, all my coaches have taught life lessons that have prepared me to take on the challenge of working toward such a huge goal.

I was sitting at breakfast with a few of my teammates this morning and we were talking about how many people we thought it took for a person to go from an elite athlete to an Olympian. There are people in my daily life, coaches, sports medicine, my friends and teammates that have helped me. Then there are the many many supporters in my home town, Chico, as well as my college, UCDavis, the staff at the Training Centers and this is not even including the many people that don’t directly know me who have been sending me prayers and thoughts. My older sister informed me the other day that the entire town of Pleasanton, California, where she is a teacher, is behind me. This journey is not something that I have done on my own and I would never be where I am without the constant support and enthusiasm from people all over the nation. Thank you to everyone who has been on the journey with me and to everyone who has touched my life. You are the reason I get the opportunity to wear our flag proudly.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whooo-hooo! Go Emily!

Amber Azevedo said...

The students from Pleasanton have spoken...here are a few of the email comments I received---------
"So COOL!!!!!!!..Now I have  reason to watch the Olympics"
----------"That is SO exciting! We'll be rooting for her and pretending we actually
know her!"---------"How wonderfully exciting!!!!!!  What any accomplishment.  Cannot wait to follow her through the competition!!  We wish her nothing but luck, as well as skill of course."---------"Congratulations to you and your sister! What an honor and an amazing experience. Now we have someone to cheer for!"
 

Gary K. said...

Congrats from a fellow UCD alum!

I’m always wanted to slide (a little old to start now), but could never find an outlet to try my mettle. C’est la vie. Good luck.

Go USA Sliders!

Unknown said...

GO USA! and GO EMILY!

Unknown said...

Wow Em, this is unbelievable! Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment and know that me, my mom, Adam, and everyone else I know will be cheering you on. So proud of you!

Daddy-o said...

You Go Girl. That same drive I saw when I coached you in under 10 soccer and you were center fullback. It's still there and thriving.
Do your best. See you at Whistler. Lots of love and support from your home!!!

Zoila Gomez said...

Congrats Emily- What an accomplishment! That's a DREAM many strive for, but only a few get to fulfill.. Well deserved HONOR! ITA will be cheering for you and TEAM USA!

Unique Amenities said...

Go EMILY GO! Enjoy your snacks at opening ceremony. Produced in New York. Best Wishes for your success at the games.

Leslie *Triathlete* Garcia said...

Congratulations Emily from your old EXB buddy! Such an amazing accomplishment. We will be cheering like crazy for you and USA. Go get'em girl!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Emily!
Just wanted you to know that the Boswell's were thinking about you and keeping you in our prays and good wishes to all of you at the Olympics. We enjoy reading the good wishes and we'll be watching and sitting on the edge of our seats. Always, The Boswell's