The Olympic rings have been a pinnacle component of my entire adult life, often a beacon guiding motivation and instrumental influence.

In early 90s, I was focusing on participating as an athlete in Pentathlon. Those dreams were shattered in 1995 when women were not added to the 1996 games (as had been promised). The emotional cost was great and I turned to triathlon which became an Olympic sport for the first time in 2000. Unfortunately, there were many factors that caused the demise of my success there – most of my own making.  Maybe more on that in a later blog. However, in 2005, my personal pursuit of athletic participation in the games came to an end.

I’ve coached/taught since I was knee high to a grass hopper.  Not kidding as I started very young (Age 8) teaching equestrian riding.  Who seeks guidance from an 8 year old???? I’ve often asked myself that same question but I remember teaching – A LOT.  Guess it could be said that I was almost “born a coach”

In 2006 I joined the movement to create a junior olympic development pipeline for USA Triathlon. For 12 years I helped to support and embrace opportunities for young triathletes. Being a member of that select, dedicated, and unselfish group of pioneers has been rewarding for so many reasons. I retired the team in 2018 but have continued my involvement as a coach.

20 years- through camps and clinics and personal coaching, I’ve worked with some of the best USA Olympic triathletes our sport has seen. They’ve carried hopes, sweat, and tears of all who endeavor to call themselves olympians. They’ve motivated me to be a better leader, educator and mentor to them.  My personal dreams of supporting the games was still strong. In 2010 I was long-listed as a coach for the Junior Olympic Games. Unfortunately that was the was closest I ever came to getting to the games… at that time.

7 years ago, I was asked to join USA Paratriathlon.  Although I was personally coaching an athlete who had qualified for and was competing in the Tokyo Olympic Games, Once again I was long listed as a coach but not chosen.  Thanks to pandemic restrictions, I couldn’t go as a spectators so once again I watched from home.

Today, I’ve spent the afternoon focusing on travel, accommodations, itinerary, and communication with other staff to Paris. My flight leaves in 48 days. I am not an accredited USA Paralympic Coach. Rather, I will be attending as one of the USA Paratriathlon National team’s personal coaches.

When I land at Charles De Gaulle, it will be for real. My heart has followed the rings for a long time but inclusion has always been allusive. Maybe this time I can finally participate in person and support some of the best dang athletes I’ve ever known. Specifically, one I’ve grown to admire for so many reasons, Kelly Elmlinger .

At that time, I will finally cross my own hypothetical finish line with the para swirls. Maybe, just maybe I will finally have my own memories to celebrate when listening to Olympic composer John Tesh and his live at Red Rock Concert from 1995.  A year in which my own dreams of becoming an olympian shattered.

The potential reality seems surreal.