VOICE FROM VANCOUVER

Think long and hard to yourself and think about a dream you’ve always had. Something that you’ve always wanted.

Being an Olympian has always been my dream since I was little. I’ve always wanted to march into a packed stadium wearing “USA” across my chest and waving my nation’s flag.  A few days ago I was able to live out this dream. Standing in the tunnel waiting to walk into the stadium was all so surreal.  It seemed like a movie setting. Hearing some of the best athletes in the world all around me chant “USA, USA, USA!” Seeing our flag take that first step into the stadium and hearing the crowd erupt in a defining cheer was something that I will cherish my entire life. It was at that moment that I realized that it was beyond me now. It was for my country, my peers, friends, family and anyone that has a dream that they think can’t come true.

Let this be a lesson. If you want something badly enough, all you have to do is work to achieve. Walking the five hundred feet around the stadium floor and seeing all of those people, it dawned on me that I had done it. I am living my dream. Not only am I living it, I get to share it with the over three billion viewers. All of the sacrifices have finally paid off. It still hasn’t processed in my head that I am now an Olympian. A title that can never be taken away.

Seeing the torch burning brightly in the middle of the arena during the closing moments had me stopped dead in my tracks. I just stood there and stared at the flame, burning bright. The whole world has come together for this. At this very moment, the world would stand still from all of the hate and war, and watch a sporting event. A sporting event that I am a participant. This is the biggest sporting event known to mankind. I am wearing the red, white and blue. Same as those of the greatest athletes in history.  I am representing everyone. This is truly the happiest moment I have ever had.

Looking at all of the other athletes from all over the world, it didn’t take me long to realize that I was also here to get a job done, to compete and try to win the United States a gold medal.

We have since moved from the Olympic village in Vancouver to the village in Whistler. It’s a lot smaller with fewer athletes. We will get on the ice tomorrow for some practice runs. It’s my drivers first time down the track but I have faith in him to get the job done.