Monday, October 20, 2008

Post Olympic Activities


To all the fans out there,
You all have been so supportive and I can't thank you enough! I have been so busy since returning home on September 15th. I can't believe how things have worked out and all I can say it that I am truly blessed.

I had a great time in Europe after the games and ended the season in Stuttgart, Germany at the World Athletic Final. I ended up placing 6th in the 400 meters and whewwww my last meet of the season was finally over. I was so excited to be going home even though I had met so many athletes and made good friends. I actually counted the days down until I was on the last day and knew that there would be a great plane ride home in store for me.

As I arrived in Cincinnati and walked off the plane, it felt good to be home!! I quickly went to collect my bags, and as I was walked to baggage claim I was quite surprised to see so many people greeting my safe return home. My mom, husband, and host of friends and church members. It was great to hear them all shouting my name and holding up the USA Flag. I actually got emotional because at that point it hit me again that I was now an Olympic Gold Medalist. I had defeated the odds and made history along with my four other teammates!!!

Now that I was back in the 5-1-3, as David Payne would say, my journey was over and what more than to decide to train hard and compete for the next 4 years. I now have learned what it takes to be an Olympian and now I want to improve on that. I would like to get an individual medal and definitely go under 50 seconds. I am ready for the hard work and numerous sacrifices. One thing I know for sure is that Cincinnati will be my number one fan through the whole journey again.