Dear Fernieites,
I am so proud to be from Fernie; I always have and always
will. The town and its citizens have
truly embraced my dreams, goals and ambitions.
It is town who shares the value of the Olympic spirit, values the
importance of sport, and has embraced my career for well over a decade.
The Olympic Games has the power to transcend culture,
religion, and diversity. It has the power to unite a nation or a
community. It has the power to change
lives and it has the power to bring friends, families, and people together.
The 2010 Olympics have been a dream of mine since they were
first announced over 7 years ago. A seed
was planted at the time and even though many ups and downs have occurred over
the years, that seed grew and grew.
Today I can say that seed became a flower. The flower is everything that I have ever
dreamed of. It is a culmination of all
the hard work, determination and passion that I put into the sport of ski
racing; it represents my dream.
I would be lying if I said that I was not crushed by my
“lack” of results at the Games. I truly
believed that I could have stood on that podium. I not only wanted to stand on that podium for
myself but for all the people that have supported me over the years; I have
always believed that the best way to thank people is by showing them a great
race. Unfortunately that great race didn’t
happen. I was heartbroken and devastated
but I can honestly say that I have no regrets.
I gave it everything I had each and every day. I just didn’t have “my”
day on the day I needed to, in order to stand on that podium.
Although much disappointment and sadness came from my
results, I truly believe that it was the most amazing journeys any human can
take. I was given the gift to compete
for my country, in my country doing what I absolutely love to do.
After my Super-G race, I met up with my friends and family
behind the stands and was absolutely amazed and speechless by the group of
people who surrounded me. All of those
people have supported, loved and believed in me from near and far but never
without fail. It was the best gift that the Olympics could give to me. It was the perfect ending to one of the most
challenging, exhausting and emotional experiences of my life. It is moments like that where you realize
that there is more to the day and your life than the result on the score board.
Standing in the start gate of each and every race will
forever be etched in my memory. The
cheering, the support and inspiration that came from every volunteer and every
spectator inspired me beyond words.
Knowing all the support coming from Fernie, inspired me to keep fighting
when times were tough and results became my identity. My friends and family reminded me of the true
value of sport and the power it holds above and beyond the medals.
I have been programmed for many years that results are all
that matter but thanks to the community of Fernie, you are showing me the
bigger picture. I am so humbled by all the well wishes that I received. I am so
proud of all the students and teachers for taking the time to embrace the
Olympic spirit. I am so inspired by a town that has grown, adapted and evolved while
keeping its identity and roots.
The way that Fernie united for these Games will never be
forgotten. I watched in awe, alongside millions
of Canadians, during the morning show on Canada AM the true spirit of our small
town in the East Kootenays. I am so proud to be from Fernie and I want to thank
you for supporting me over all these years, through thick and thin.
I would like to thank my Mom for her love, belief, support,
joie de vive and her humour. I would also like to thank all of my amazing friends
from Fernie and afar who have inspired me, driven me and supported me
endlessly.
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