Friends in ALL places

As a reflect back on my many years of sport I constantly see one common theme; the creation of Life long friends.  I still have friends from the many years I did gymnastics.  Friends from high school athletics and of course the friends from my UC Davis Track and Field family.

Over the past few years I have utilized my international bobsled friends as an outlet and sound board throughout each season.  We compete directly against each other week in and week out, but a camaraderie between nations is created. I am confident I will still be connected with many of my friends all over the world once this era of my life comes to an end. 

After spending months on the road it was nice to spend time with my friends Emily, who is Canadian and Hanne, who is Swiss, outside of the sport.  My fathers cousin, Coreen, is the head of the American School in London and she was nice enough to allow us to stay with her and explore everything London has to offer.  We did all the typical tourist things that could be crammed into the five days we spent in London.  London is an incredible city and it would take months to adequately comb through.   

Ironically, two of my teammates from UC Davis, one who I also went to High School with, live in London.  They have traveled all over the world and I have had the opportunity to meet up with them in many different locations.  I was able to have a true English pub experience with them watching the England vs. France rugby game this past weekend.  This was quite an experience and one of my favorite parts of the entire trip.  I honestly can not even tell you what the end score of the game was, but it was so refreshing to be around people who I care for from all aspects of my life.  From High School to UC Davis to Bobsled each part of my life was represented with the people in that pub.  There is one thing for sure, I will have many interesting places to visit when I am done sliding and I more life long friends to add to my phone book.