Everything Happens for a Reason

This past weekend I had the US Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.  This competition decided who made the World Team that is to head to Daegu, Korea in August.  For the past three years this has been a huge goal of mine, topped only by my goal to make the Olympic Team next year.  As I said in my last blog, I have been battling an ankle injury since the end of indoor season, which only continued to worsen at the Nationals.  

I regrettably had to withdraw myself from the competition.  Somewhat of a setback, however, adversity is all apart of the job.  Thankfully I had plenty of family and friends there to support me and help provide perspective.  Now the time has come to get HEALTHY!!! I have surgery scheduled next wednesday on my ankle then back to rehabbing.  

Watch out 2012, I don't get mad. . . I get even :)

It Could Always Be Worse. . .

I was able to jump this weekend in the New York Adidas Track meet on Randalls Island in New York City... This was the first meet that I have had since indoor season, and with only two jump sessions to get ready for it.  The weather was less than ideal. . . Ok the only thing I could think of that would have been worse was a blizzard.  So bad in fact, they almost canceled the vault because our officials at the pole vault pit felt it was to unsafe. . . BUT they were shot down by the head official of the meet.  So with the meet still rolling and the unsafe conditions, I was very proud of myself for jumping off the ground almost every single time, from my full approach.  I may have not cleared the bar, but as you can see in the video below it was not lack of height!

It feels great to be back, and I am very very excited that the mental training I have been working so hard on  with my Sports Psychologist is coming together! One of the hardest things in pole vaulting is mentally getting over the fear of injury.  Coming back from this last injury has been a long hard fought battle, but thanks to my coach and team of Therapists I am finally able to jump again!!! And man it feels good!

I am hoping to jump this coming up Thursday here at the OTC Meet but it will all depend on how the foot feels.  Next Sunday is the National Championships in Eugene, Oregon and I want to be fully prepared to go in and make the US Team in order to compete at World Championships in Daegu, Korea at the end of August!!!

Thank you to everyone who continues cheering me on , I strive to make you proud!