Brandi's Blog
“You Are A Champion”
I have been home from Copenhagen for three days, and the decision of the IOC has been made to take the Olympics to South America for the first time, I have a feeling of deja vu. In 2000 when the US women’s soccer team lined up versus our greatest competitor Norway, we were confident. We had finally matched up to their winning record against us and were poised in front of the world to take home the grand prize, Olympic Gold. In the beginning stages of the game, if the game were stopped and a census was taken on how the game would turn out, undoubtedly the vote would have been in ourfavor. BUT, games aren’t over til the final whistle or in our case, decided by a vote. What happened to Chicago 2016, it’s staff and the people, was eeriely reminiscent of our match. In the waning seconds of double OT, the vote/ball wen the wrong way. After putting a tying goal in with mere seconds to spare by an unlikely header from the smallest player on the field (Tiffeny Milbrett) we felt that sealed our destiny. Only it didn’t. Norway didn’t give up, as Rio didn’t in the race for the Olympics in 2016. Standing on the winning silver medal stand there were tears, blank stares and smiles. I vividly remember thinking that though I wanted gold, winning silver was nothing to be ashamed of. I now also believe that being in the race is amazing. In our country it is cultural that being #1 is the only place that matters. If that were the case, millions of us would then be considered losers. It is a small percentage of people who achieve the highest goal, however I like to live by the mindset that if you put yourself out there (publicly or privately) by setting goals and taking honest, diligent, thoughtful steps towards making change, finding solutions, impacting others in a positive manner, YOU ARE A CHAMPION. So to all those who are disappointed, it is understandable. But recognize that young people in your community and those outside of it, see your example and will grow from the experience. It is up to those who the defeat hit the closest, to make that point.
As an example, the organization World Sport Chicago will be a beacon of light in a darkness that will resuscitate lives once thought out of breath. People will be inspired instead of deflated and the city will be bold examples of how no matter what, it will lead its youth. I am not a Chicagoan, though I feel like it’s my second home (my brother and sister-in-law live there and she is the head women’s soccer coach of DePaul University) because each individual on the trip to Copenhagen opened their arms, as they would have done with their front doors, to welcome me home.
So, BRAVO Chicago for a good, clean and honest fight.
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Also consider the positive impact this will have on millions of lesser privileged kids in South America. Not to mention an opportunity for Rio to improve its infrastructure, modernize, increase their tourism, and help their economy. They need it more than we do. But, don’t worry, the USA has always been a leader in the world, and we will always have the best teams in all sports. How could the Olympics, NOT come back to us someday.
Posted: 10/11/2009 @ 11:36
Have you adjusted to the time change yet?
Its katie!
I still am waking up at 5:30 in the morning!
Posted: 10/12/2009 @ 7:01
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