Well, I have to say that this weekend was one of the longest of my life. I spent 3 long days in the blistering AZ sun photographing the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials - Track and Field. Through the sweat and near heat exhaustion, I managed to have a great time and get some fantastic shots. The weekend consisted of elite competition from nearly 200 athletes that traveled from not only around the country, but from around the world. The athletes were all trying to claim one of the 44 spots (27 men and 17 women) on Team USA that will be headed to Beijing, China in September for the Paralympics.
Troy competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints. He was 2nd in the 100m and 400m and 3rd in the 200m. He had some of his best times in recent years, but his times, unfortunately, were not enough to secure himself a spot on Team USA. I know that he was disappointed when his name was not called at the banquet; he has trained as hard as his body would absolutely allow him too. He has pushed his body to the limits and then some and his dedication far surpasses that of anyone else I know. He did his best--both in training and at the competition--so he can never look back with any regrets. So even though we will not be headed to Beijing this fall, I want Troy to know how proud I am of him. He is an incredible husband, father, coach, athlete, and so much more to so many people. So as his racing career ends he is now able to focus his time and talents to coaching and helping train a whole new group of young athletes that hopefully will one day call themselves a member of Team USA. I love you, Troy!!
The good news, though, is that now Troy has some vacation days that will actually NOT be used for racing. This may not sound like a big deal, but we have not had a family vacation in a LONG time that did not involve racing or work so now we can. YEAH!! As soon as his name was not called we both said--"We are going to Lake Powell!" I can't wait for July to come and sit back and enjoy the lake!
I have many, many pictures to show you from the weekend, but that is all you get for tonight. I will try to get some more up tomorrow so come back and take a look!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The End of an Era
at 10:12 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Jodi and Troy - it was so good seeing you this last weekend. Jodi - thank you for your beautiful contribution through photography. Troy - you have always been an incredible role model and colleague in wheelchair racing. Of course, I hope we can always be in touch!
Best,
Cheri
Troy, you were amazing this past weekend. We loved watching you race. You are such a role model to so many people. I hope you know how much we all love and support you. You are going to continue to inspire so many people and help give them courage to look for the good in their lives. You are one of the best examples of someone who has taken their talent and not only magnified it to the best of your ability, but then used it to help so many other people find their own talents. Way to go, Troy! We love you!
We are all so proud of you Troy!!! You truley are an inspiration! We love you. Congratulations on all your accomplishments...especially marrying such an awesome WOMAN...Jodi your the best...thanks for that tribute to my Brother...and for loving and supporting him through the blistering AZ heat...you deserve a metal ;)
and dido to what Jer said...she always knows just what to say!!!
Post a Comment