A HUGE congratulations to my team mates Jenn, Chloe, Alex, Vincent, Maxime and Pierre-Alexandre for their dedication and accomplishments! I am proud to ski with all of you.
My Olympic Moment
Today is the first time that I have had a chance to go get on my computer and catch up with friends, family, sponsors and fans that have supported me through my journey. And what a journey it has been.
I did not expect this outcome for the Games, but I did expect that I would go for it and tap into some of my potential and ability as an athlete. I accomplished so many goals that I set out to do, and I can walk away proud of that. I pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of as a human being, and I opened the door to even more possibilities. It was my goal to push myself and my sport, and i can say that I did that. I have never jumped so big on a top air and skied out of it carrying so much speed. That I am proud of. i have trained for many years for that back full off of the bottom air ( and it was the first time that i had a chance to compete it) and I stomped it. I am proud of that.
Of course I wish the gold came along with the rest of the accomplishments, but in the bigger picture the outcome is not as important. I have learned so much becasue i chose to go after my goals with everyhting that I have within me. I have discovered myself and life on such a deep level of knowledge, love, commitment and understanding. I know that it is only our minds that hold us back, and with an open heart and a willingness to go after your dreams, anything is possible.
it was all of my experiences leading up to this point that prepared me to stand in the gate so confidently. I did the work. I did not leave one step out. I have never felt so ready. I was calm, focused and committed in the gate. i visualized my perfect run over and over again, but then let it go to notice and control my breath just before i pulled out of the gate. I was in the perfect mindset. When I landed the top air i just looked as far down the course as possible. i committed to my narrow and direct ski line, but i started gaining a bit too much speed and I couldn't get it under control with the deep slushy snow. I pushed myself farther than i ever thought possible, and i took a hit for it. I was in disbelief as i fell, but quickly shifted focus as I scrambled to get my ski on and finish my run. It was never a question in my mind to finish the run or not. I knew that I had to get back in the course to finish the job that I trained so hard to do. I took 2 deep breaths to calm myself and refocus on the task at hand... to stomp my back full that i had never competed before. It was the best back full that i have ever done.
I can walk away proud. Proud that i went after my goals. Proud that I pushed the sport. Proud that I was an inspiration to so many.
It is definitely a bitter sweet Olympic experience for me, but I have just opened another door of possibility. World Championships is in my sights for 2011. Look out.
A huge thanks to all of my family, friends, fans, sponsors, coaches, support staff and funding partners. I am so gracious of your support. i could not have done it without you.
Photo Blog by the Toronto Star
Olympic Experience - from the eyes of Kristi from Kristi Richards on Vimeo.