At breakfast this morning, I visited with the parents of a top U.S.A. athlete who failed to qualify in her event due to injury.
I've given hugs to other parents who watch with horror as their child violently crashes to icy surfaces. But these tears are always only for missed opportunities, not missed medals.
The first day, I could spot friends and family of athletes from a long ways away. They glowed with corralled excitement.
Now I feel the energy changing. The medals can only go to a few. The remaining athletes and families are coming together in supportive circles, friendships forming regardless of international borders or sport. We have the same stories and emotional roller coasters.
The medical team finally made their decision about 10 p.m. last night that Meryeta could not race today. Two days ago she crashed in training and is suffering a minor concussion. So now we sit together watching the women's race, and I'm just happy she's okay and can be racing again soon. Normal life resumes quickly after the
Olympic blip. Our hearts are bruised, but not broken.
Tonight the snowboard cross team will come together in celebration at the Canada Olympic House. I suspect it will look a little like a scene from the cartoons after a brawl; crutches, black eyes, bandages. But Canadians know how to fight their way up from the bottom and are motivated to come back even stronger.
I'd like to thank those who have helped our little family these past few years.
Meryeta and I couldn't have done it without you.
Even more to come in this crazy journey.
