what up what up!
I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated my journal so here it goes:
Since the Olympics ended I’ve been really busy with traveling and preparing for World Championships which are held in Bulgaria next week (Mar. 19-21). The Olympics DRAINED ME! Both mentally and physically. The Games are very demanding not only with time, but they also require a lot of dedication, and focus.
Overall I had a great experience in Vancouver. I didn’t have a lot of downtime, but I always reminded myself that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I made sure to take advantage of all that the Olympics had to offer. Short Track athletes competed throughout the whole Olympics, so that meant after every race, we had to forget about what happened and look forward to the next race. I was very fortunate to have family and friends come up and support me up there. I had at least 50 people roll through Vancouver. Some came to watch me race, and some came just to be there with me. All of my immediate family was present, as well as many relatives that have been there with me since the start. I couldn’t thank you all enough for sticking by my side through thick and thin. I had a couple friends from Washington come up, and also a couple friends from California fly all the way up there (take time out of work and school) just to see me! I am very blessed to have such a great group of people that surround me. They make my life worth living.
My mom was so awesome up in Vancouver. She made very good friends with the people at the P&G house which was a house that allowed parents of Olympians a place to hang out and eat. Most of you probably saw her in that P&G commercial that was dedicated to the moms. I was so happy when I saw her in that video. My mom has been so supportive of me, and I was happy that she got that opportunity. To me, that’s what the Olympics are all about.
I said this to one of my good friends from the Dutch team (Netherlands) Niels:
“Look at this place (talking about the crowd in the pac. coliseum). You know what this is? It’s our families and friends from around the world gathered in one place to watch us do what we love to do.” Once I said that, I had the biggest smile on my face, because I knew what I was there for. To do what I love to do.
My father said a quote to me about a year ago before all the mayhem started, and I keep it very close to my heart. It goes “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill.
Now that I have somewhat of a platform from skating, I will be very dedicated to giving all of my love back to the people that gave their love to me. I am planning a couple things this summer while I am back in Seattle. As most of you know, I LOVE music, so don’t be surprised if something happens this summer having to do with music. ;]
I have talked to a bunch of people about what they thought about seeing me on TV. A lot of people come up to me now and say, “JR! You’re a celebrity! How does it feel?!”
Honestly, you are only a celebrity in your own head, if you want to be. Being a “celebrity” or being “famous” means to me that you have a platform or status to affect many people (maybe even the world). The coolest thing that happened to me at the Olympics was that I was able to inspire people, and show them that giving up on their goals and dreams is not an option. I am so grateful to be able share my story with people around the world. I have received many fan emails that say something to the effect of “You have inspired me to keep going in school, at my sport, or even in life”
My goal in life is to make the world realize that life is what you make it. No matter what family you’re born into, where you are, or what you’re currently doing, you need to know that what you say or do will have some sort of effect on the people that surround you.
I have been inspired, and now it’s my turn to inspire others for the better. Who’s with me?!
After the Olympics I have made contact with many people (mostly musicians) that have inspired me in the past. It is so cool that I am able to get in contact with them, and get to know who they are. I know them through music, but now I have the opportunity to know them on a personal level. I am so happy about that.
I will be moving from Salt Lake City back to Federal Way in April for the summer. I look forward to getting a chance to be with family and friends again.
I will keep you all updated on my events, including what is planned for this summer.
Thank you, and I love you all!
jr
p.s
I have been in contact with a guy named Jeremy Manongdo (aka Passion from youtube). he has recently started a project called “The Empty Suitcase Project” which helps kids from Tanzania receive school materials. If you could help out in any way, it would be awesome. Please check this link: http://bit.ly/aOhwrl to see the video, and also to receive directions on how to help.
