but this time it was in Track and Field.  As I battled through the roller coaster injury ride that became my distance running career, I never lost “the dream.”  It just didn’t happen in the way or on the time table that I had envisioned it.  And twenty three years after I first imagined competing in an Olympic Games, I am headed to my first… In a sport that I stumbled across…Cycling!

And the cycling road has been a journey itself.  From the mountain bike to the road bike through a knee surgery to the cusp of an Olympic berth and the devastation of a tainted electrolyte…through more years of patience and perseverance…then racing as the only American on an International team, full time in Europe… a melanoma and the cancer scare… The road has been peppered with challenges, but the walk (or the ride) has been worth it.

There are some things that can not be developed or strengthened without some kind of trial.  Just as you can never build a muscle without resistance, just as gold cannot be refined without fire, or clay cannot be molded without pressure, our character and faith cannot be built without a challenge.

I am so thankful for every single one. As difficult as they were when I was going through them, I would not be who I am without them, nor would I be able to walk with the Lord the way I can now without them.  Looking back, I would not change anything. 

The Olympics are a big deal.  They are a huge honor and a great achievement, but I am far from the mountain top.  I have more things to do.  More importantly, the Lord has more things to do with me.  I am looking forward to the next steps.  I know the road will always be peppered, but I also know the journey and the process is special.  And as I climb, I will not forget to enjoy the view.

Thank you to all of my family, friends, coaches, and supporters who have helped me get to this point.  Take time to enjoy the view with me this week!  GO USA!!!!  We are going for it!!!

Proverbs 16:9