In the Special Olympics all athletes are given the opportunity
to compete in the medal races. Here in South Korea the heats are decided the
day before the race through a divisioning run. In the past Alex has always tried
her hardest in the divisioning runs and manages to put herself in the finals
race with the more competitive athletes.
Alex’s first race was
the Super G, an event she usually she does not race. In the Super G the racers
tuck their poles and ski as fast as they can around the gates. Alex prefers the
Giant Slalom and the Slalom as she can use her poles to plant and turn. The
Super G was scheduled for yesterday, but due to rain the event was rescheduled
for today.
Alex had a great time, but was 6 seconds behind an athlete
from South Korea, which put her in second place. Needless to say we were all
whooping and cheering proudly for Alex. The awards ceremony usually take a
little time to queue up, it was not until about 30 minutes later we saw Alex go
up to the podium. As she stepped on to the second place step I could see the
sadness in her face. My wonderful happy daughter has inherited one of my worst traits
– she is about as competitive as they come. She felt she had let down her friends
at home who had told her to “bring home the gold”.
Alex did recover quickly with all the congrats and hugging
that went on after the ceremony. She explained the Super G was not her event and
she would do great in the GS. I think it was the interview we did for the
Polish TV Station that put her back on track. If anyone watches Polish TV, be
sure to look for Alex and me!
The divisioning for this race did not occur due to the rain delay,
so tomorrow’s divisions were determined from today’s races. Funny how that
works, a certain South Korean who skies much faster than Alex has moved up to a
different division. I know Alex will race her hardest and will learn that is is the effort that counts. not the color of the medal.
We were able to spend dinner with Alex, she has matured so
much in these last eight days. She talked non-stop and shared about the US military
base the Team visited, lunch with the US Ambassador and the kindergarten visit.
She shared stories of her new friends and joked about her coaches. She shared
about the Healthy Athletes initiative the Special Olympics is rolling out, it
provides health assessments and screenings including eyes and ear examinations.
For the first time, Alex failed her eye exam and glasses were made for her on
the spot…..and she even wore them!
When were returned Alex to her coaches I felt an amazing sense
of gratitude. How could I have imagined almost 20 years ago that our lives
would turn out like this….in a country so far from our own, cheering on a young
lady who just happens to have down syndrome who is living her life to the
fullest. What else could a Mom ask for any of her kids?
Oh, this made me cry!! She is accomplishing SO much!! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being so loyal to Alex!
DeleteCongratulations! What an amazing life she has!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber - our kids all have amazing lifes!
DeleteAlex is a rock star! Thanks for posting about this trip - I love following along.
ReplyDeleteThanks - I am so glad you are following our story!
DeleteAwesome news, and I'll beT she is always proud of that silver. Congratulations, and way to go!
ReplyDeleteThannks!
Delete