We all hear stories about our Olympic Athlete’s compete, but seldom do we hear about what happens after the event is over. I was pleased to get this letter from Darcy and since the Sochi Games are not that far off – let’s reflect back!
Here is a note I received from Darch Marquardt one of our Olympic Rowers. It clearly must have been hard for him to write it, but it comes from the “heart” and for that we must be thankful.
Enjoy the read and next time we are critical of why the Athlete’s fail to bring home Gold, reflect on his letter.
Thanks again to Darcy for the note.
Hi everyone,
Its now been 2 1/2 days since our epic race on Thursday and I now have a chance to sit down to a computer.
Thanks to all those who have sent messages – I am overwhelmed by the kind notes!
A whirlwind of emotion and activity ensued after our race. And it was a great race! We had a solid start (the Americans did have a better one) and we found our “sweet spot” pacing rhythm going into the 2nd 500m.
I think we were able to lift and sprint as well as we did due to the efficiency of this middle 1000m rhythm.
I never had any doubt that we would hold off the Dutch, and when Lesley made our move call with about 800m to we just kept charging to the line.
I knew we were moving back on the U.S. from the feedback Lesley was giving us and the power behind me was incredible! We said before the race that we were the best prepared as individuals and as a crew to have the race of our lives and I’m proud to say we did it on the day.
We left no stone un-turned in training and we had no ounce of energy left to give on the race course… 3 Olympic Games, countless hours of training and we got our Olympic medal!
Relief and happiness were probably the most evident emotions I felt immediately after the race (that and a lot of pain in my legs and lungs).
What I wasn’t prepared for (what none of us were prepared for) were the flood of emotions that came on the podium dock when we saw our families waving and cheering from the stands.
These are the people who believed in us throughout, and for me personally, to have supported me through two 4th places, and to now finally have my hardware; it was an emotional time indeed.
The following hours were spent fulfilling media requests (some of you may have caught the CTV interviews), visiting with my family and fiancé, Richard, and ultimately crashing into bed around 1am with my mind buzzing.
What a feeling!
Now we get to enjoy the rest of the Games, take in some sights, party like a rock star, and just enjoy the moments.
We are moving into the Athletes’ Village tomorrow where we will be staying until the Closing Ceremonies.
Thanks again
Cheers
Darcy M.
