The Official Web Site of JR Celski - Team USA's Speedskater
J.R. Celski's Journal
a slight sigh of relief
March 11th, 2010what 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.
377 Responses to “a slight sigh of relief”
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hey JR, u r truly an inspiration (i know u heard that a lot but itz soo true!) i like you that a injury cant stop u from ur dreams.
ps-u should come to LA! we miss yoou!
oh. ok
thanks 4 telling me that
-lilyan
You contacted Pasiion?~
He is sooo amazing!
I Love him
He came here in Rockland County to perform and he was reallllyyy awesome..
looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Bes Wishes
-Gelli Mae
nobody post comments on J.R’s Journal anymore!!
-lilyan
why shouldnt we post anymore. it isnt his falt he hasnt had time. oviously you only like him for his looks and not what he does. everyone has a life and they can do whatever they want in it!!!!
heyy i agree just because he hasnt posted yet doesnt mean we have too stop hes just been a really busy person lately and just dosent have time to be writing in his journal right now.!
i dont like him cuz of his looks i also like him cuz he has inspired me.
and i get why he doesnt update his journal (he’s busy)
-lilyan
sorry lilyan but it sounds like your trying to have everyone stop posting because he hasnt updated his journal
Isabel
Your right isabel
people who really are fans of him shouldnt care how long it takes to update a journal
you cant just be mad when JR doesnt post and love him when he does
Becca
when did i ever say people should stop posting comments!!
-lilyan
oh and i forgot i’m not mad at him. it might sound like it but i’m not mad.
-lilyan
P.S. im sorry if i sound bossy or mean to u!!!!
how come u dont like write anymore journal entries
how come u dont write anymore journal entries
Have fun on your private jet to NYC !
Isabel <3
OMG!!!! I just love J. R. everytime the olympics are on, i make my family watch him go around the track. personally i think its fun to yell at the tv. he did an awesome job on the games this year after a record time recovery. he could’ve died. but, good thing he didn’t cause the US needs him (to have fun doing what he loves). i know ppl might think that ooh yeah, figgin suck up. im not. i just really apperciate what he does. sooo, this has been fun. see ya!!
i cant wait to see you on jr celski day!!!!! can you please do another post thanks!!! we love you all!!!!
your biggest fan
ally
hey you there
Ever since u replied on twitter, ive been waiting for a journal entryyy….
hurry it
when is j.r. celski day anyways??
Hi,
I just read an article about you and your mom on theolympian.com. It’s so touching how close your relationship with your mom is, and it’s such an encouragement to see you have such a strong bond with her. The article was so amazing, and I would be lying if I said that it didn’t make me tear up a little bit. I pray your strong relationship with your mom continues, despite distance and separation. I wish you all the best! <3
I checked out the link that Jannae posted and wow, it really was an amazing article.
Having a strong relationship with your family is one thing, but having an even stronger one with your mother is another. Both are wonderful, but mother’s always have a special impact on their children. It’s great to see your relationship with your mother, whether from this article or seeing it on TV.
From reading it, we know she’s a really strong woman. It’s a really good thing because we know she can handle anything. It’s great to see she’s always been there for you and you her. Keep that strong relationship with her. It’s a wonderful thing and a treasure to have. I know she’ll always been there for you, no matter what. Keep believing in her strong words and in her.
I hope good for you and your family and that you keep moving forward to your dreams. <3
i thought the article was heart touching! ur mom went through so much, she is a strong woman(like wat Victoria said)
-lilyan
umm.. am i supposed to say hi JR? well anyways, hi JR! hehe.. well you’re an inspiration to me and i just want to thank you.. Thank you! hehe i have no ways with words.. i also want to say that you’re just completely awesome and i hope you accomplish all of your goals in the near future!
Thanks for inspiring me,
Katrina
i heard that u got to go to ur high school to talk to students
i luv how u inspire people
i luv yah, lilyan
i heard u went to ur elementary school today
i luv yah, lilyan
HA LAST COMMENT!
love youu
Omg
<3
That quote your dad said is so inspiring no wonder u keep it close to heart and u have inspired lots of people well I know me at least u inspired me to try new things and to not give up on my dreams!
oh my god……. i loveeeed watching you in the olympics. i have to admit i was scereaming at the tv. You r sooooo aweesome. Me and my friend both love you!!!! thinking im going to get a shirt…………………….