This week I received a package from the lovely ladies at In
the Arena. I quickly ripped it open
and was excited to see a puffy vintage L.L. Bean vest in perfect condition. As I put on the vest I thought about how
although this vest is not brand new it could definitely pass as if it is. There is no thread out of place and it fits perfectly. I am sure
this vest has been worn countless times, yet I am confident it still has many more years of use in
it. I could not help but relate my
vintage vest to my life as a vintage athlete.
In 2014 after the Olympic Bobsled team was selected, I knew
that although I was not selected I was not done competing. At the time I had no idea what that meant,
but I knew that I was in the best shape of my life and hungry to continue to
compete. I was sure I did not want
to bobsled anymore, but I also knew that crossing over to a different sport at
the age of 30 seemed unrealistic. I
thought about different sports that I may be able to compete in as I
transitioned to a different part of my life.
Later that day as I was working out at the gym and I was approached and
asked to play rugby. I loved the people
I met and the culture I was exposed to and knew this was the perfect sport to
play as I searched for my next adventure.
At the time I did not know it was going to actually be my next
adventure.
I emailed Amory and In The Arena explaining that I was done
with bobsled and that I was going to attempt to play rugby for the next 6 months. I had not idea if I would be able to pick up rugby or if I would be able to have a chance to be good at it, but I knew that I wanted to at least try. I had not expected In the Arena to support my
next adventure, but was touched with the support I received. My vintage vest proves that L.L. Bean is committed
to quality products, just as In the Arena is committed to believing in and
supporting their (vintage) athletes.
A year after picking
up my first rugby ball I once again find myself as a full time athlete vying
for a spot on the National Team. At 32
years old I am one of the oldest athletes on the rugby pitch, but like L.L. Bean
products and my vintage vest, I am hopeful that the quality of my performance will continue to
improve as I age. Rugby has been incredibly challenging, but has also given me an opportunity I had never thought I would have again. I am thankful and excited to have L.L. Bean and In The Arena experience it with me!
0 comments:
Post a Comment