I have purposely hesitated mentioning the word “Olympics” or “2010” because I think it would be extremely presumptuous to think that I could fall into a sport one year and go to the Olympics four years later. However, in being chosen for the U.S. Development Team, that was the unspoken goal for me and others on the team.
When I pitched this idea to work and others, I called it a “One Shot” opportunity, meaning this was my one shot. Why? I would need to be to spend at least a year on the America’s Cup/Europa Cup Team to learn how to slide on the world’s tracks. Then, I would need a year or two on the World Cup Team sliding against the world’s best. That means 3 total years on the National Team before Olympic trails in 2010. That gives me one year on the Development Team....this year. Not only that, but I would have to be one of the 2 or 3 best sliders in the U.S. This year’s World Cup team took home the World Championship and World Cup Championship trophies. We have the best sliders in the world and I would need to beat them. See where I’m going with this....
With that, as quickly as this adventure began...it has ended for me.
Given my “part-time work, part-time training” schedule, I was not able to be competitive this year. The part-time training, along with weather related track closures, afforded me about 20 runs, whereas full-time development athletes got 70-80. No training compares to experience on the track.
My time in Lake Placid and the people I’ve met will never be forgotten. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. I plan to make this sport a part of my life for a long time, but I’ll happily move from athlete to avid fan (and hopefully occasional slider).
I thank you ALL for your words of support and encouragement.
Be on the lookout for my next adventure:
The Accidental Race Car Driver?
The Accidental Hang Glider? Para Glider? Sky Diver? (The Accidental Sky Diver does not have a very good ring to it!)
Or maybe I’ll just lay low for awhile.
Ha!
NEVER!
Again, a sincere thanks to you all!
This blog details the ongoing story of my unexpected slide into the sport of Skeleton. Don’t know what the sport of Skeleton is? Read on!
7 comments:
What really annoys me is that "The Athlete in the Family" was my title for all 30 years Todd has been alive, then a couple of months and a few cool pictures later and all-of-a-sudden, "The Athlete in the Family" title has been usurped!
Way to go, bro. We're extremely proud.
How about "The Accidental Rythmic Gymnast?" You could be the one with that ball...
-Sean
Your "One Shot" was tremendous, Todd. What fun it was to follow your journey.... (and to know that you came home safely every weekend after your slides, albeit with a few bruises!) I can wait a while until you fall into something else "accidentally", thank you.
When you almost crawled on top of the refrigerator when you were not yet two, I knew we were in for it!!!
This will always be such a unique experience in your life, Todd. Thanks for sharing it with us in your "slog".
Love to you,
Mom
I am glad you perused your goal & dream. You always amaze me at what you are able to accomplish. We are all really proud of you! AND if you are interested in becoming the accidental gymnast ... I am sure Lexi would be happy to take classes with you. Mondays at 5pm , Wednesdays at 6. See you there.
Well I am very sorry your sliding journey has ended for the moment but I am so proud of you for going for it! What an amazing experience. BTW I think Sean might be onto something... I think you would look very cute in a leotard and maybe be the ribbon rather than the ball:) Anyways congratulations on such an amazing adventure and I am sure one of many more you have to look forward to in life.
Sarah
Since I haven't seen any new posts for a while... I'm thinking that you're now sliding in Central Park with a cafeteria tray, right? Can't wait to see those photos too!
Miss the adventures!
Pam
Todd, say it isn't so! I was living vicariously through a former roommate who had the nerve to go head-first very fast only a few inches above a hard ice course. I guess back to my day job of teleconferences...
How about the accidental figure-skater? You could practice just outside your office during lunch breaks and you already have the attire for it. Know you love sequins...;)
-Chip
Post a Comment