When I was 12 years old I was racing for a spot in our club K-4(four person kayak) that had a chance of winning a medal at the national championships. When all the seat races were done three of my best friends were going to be in the boat and I was not. I was elated for them, what an opportunity, but I was also devastated. After congratulating them I had to walk away. Tears were building in my eyes and just as I reached the corner of the change rooms the tears were streaming down my cheeks and the sobs were just moments away. But, I was not alone. My coach, Sarah, had followed me into the change room. She didn't give me the regular, everything will be alright, you are great speech, that we have all received at some point in our lives. Without hesitation she told me that this was not going to be the biggest thing in my life, that even within the sport of canoeing I would accomplish more. She then reminded me that I am a very loved and loving daughter, sister and friend and that those things were all very important too. They didn't seem important at the time but after my races at the World Championships this year they were once again in my ears...
I failed to make the A final, which meant that my goal was not being reached, and when the B final was done I was 18th overall. I was disappointed in myself. I felt like I had failed and once again I had tears streaming down my face. Without fail though my family, my friends and my teammates were there. They reminded me that success isn't always measured by a number or a placing. They pointed out that I have come a long way in 11 years. I was the girl who couldn't make the Wascana K-4 and as long as I keep looking forwards and learning from my past who knows what the future holds.
It was my support system that reminded me of "polly positive" and it is my support system that has helped me rebound and look forward to the Pan American Games in Gaudalajara, Mexico. Although I did not accomplish my goal of qualifying Canada to race at the Olympics at the World Championships, I can still help Canada qualify in Mexico. So, this loved, daughter, sister and friend is back at it. I am at a training camp in Ottawa and my team mates and I are training hard. We are going to be prepared and in peak form when races start on October 26.
So, thank you to everyone who believes in someones dream, who supports someone when they stumble and to those that help keep dreams alive because without people like you, I would be lost :)
