Wednesday, December 31, 2008

YEAR IN REVIEW

2008 started out for me with such high hopes and expectations. It was after all going to be my fifth and final time going to the Olympics and I just knew that I was going to improve upon my best ever finish at the Games (6th in 2000). I just knew it. Everything started out great. My preparation was thorough. I worked as hard as I could. I relocated. Had the coach I wanted. The training partners I wanted. I was faster, fitter, leaner. I watched video. I revisited old workouts that worked. I eliminated things that didn't. My diet was on point. Basically, I did my best to dot all my I's and cross all my T's... or so I thought.

In the end, it wasn't enough!! I would have never dreamed in a million years that a) my jumping technique would fail me so horribly and b) that I would get so miserably sick in Beijing in the 4 days that led up to my competition start date. Let me just tell you that those two things are an awful combination. And my results there showed it.

Suffice to say I was devastated, and you would think that in light of this, I would deem 2008 a complete failure. But as I've written before, thanks to my coach last year, Brooks Johnson, I was able to put it all in perspective rather quickly, surprisingly, pick myself up and really focus on all the GREAT things that I have accomplished over the years.

And that has motivated me even more for this upcoming track season! My training has been going SO WELL! I'm almost afraid to say it. I can't wait to see Brooks very soon and show him the progress I've made. I have a renewed motivation and desire and will to silence the naysayers and prove something to myself. And only to myself. I have nothing to prove to anyone else anymore. Been there, done that!

In the end, 2008 showed me just how strong I am in character. Additionally, it was a year that was great for completely non-sport related reasons. Some friends triumphed and I basked in their glory as if they were my own. Other friends struggled, but their struggles brought us closer as we sought to console one another. I got to see my parents a lot more because of their move to Bakersfield and in light of their imminent move again back to the Bahamas in July of next year, having them so close by has been great. Urban Safari Design, my interior design company is doing pretty well. Those persons who care about me continue to show me that they do. You can't put a price on that. No medal compares to that. My blogging family showed me love. Thanks so much! Others showed me that they could care less about me and I guess it's better to know who you really matter to and focus your energies there. Still, it makes me sad though, truth be told. Nevertheless, I have lived and laughed and loved and cried and laughed some more and my good days have far outweighed my bad.

I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for me!! God's richest blessings to everyone!

13 comments:

eclectik said...

You have an excellent outlook on things and life

:( @ The sickness in China too

So refreshing to at least kinda know someone like you

You are the bee's Knees

(Doesn't hurt to be extremely attractive either)


Yay 09

e.

Garret said...

A awesome outlook Jackie. Very inspiring. I love the point of the good out weighing the bad. Thanks for pointing out the everyday things we all miss.

Happy New Year!

Garret

Eternal Lizdom said...

Great post, Jackie. I love your attitude, your perspective!

Anonymous said...

It's been really nice following your Olympic journey, although I came on board later in the process. Through everything you have learned about yourself and others and from them, you have learned some good and some bad things-it's all set up to help you grow as a person and I think it's safe to say that you are doing so.

May your 2009 be blessed with many more experiences that'll help shape you.

anonymousnupe said...

But wasn't "a" proly caused by "b," meaning that "a" was not your fault at all? (Or did your form begin to break down in practice, prior to you getting sick over yonder? I can't remember.)

And you have naysayers?! But you're so sweet!

LOL! The "Word Verification" letters I'm supposed to type in to comment and prove that I'm a living being and not a bot spell "unsub." That's what they call the whacked out perps on the show "Criminal Minds." It's short for "unknown subject." I know. Random.

My shorty, the one you holl'd at at Penns, has been gettin' a few college letters lately. She's soooo excited. Ok, me too. I want her to be just like you when she grows up. Maybe not so comely ('cept she is my child, LOL!). I'm already to the point where I might have to hurt one of these 'lil knucklehead boys just to send a message.

I pray that you will have a 2009, Jackie, so full of blessings that your soul will not be able to contain them all.

dessex said...

I am sure the Olympics was a great experience.

I can't wait for 09 either I know there are great things in store

Mizrepresent said...

Wishing you the best in 2009 Jackie! YOU ARE A GEM indeed! So glad to make your blogging acqaintance!

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hello there my sista! {waves}

I just wanted to drop by and bring "Happy New Year!" greetings!

What could be more fitting than some advice and encouragement from God:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

*Isaiah 43:18-19

k. carli said...

Jackieeeeeeeee! I'm so excited about 2009, the year of possibilities! I'm glad that you are as well. I'm ecstatic to hear of your progress on the track and hopefully we'll get to chat in the coming season should any of your meets bring you close to Atlanta...

Cheers!

Kinta

Robyn.K.Y said...

let by gones be by gones dear.Have i said it b4,,,Happy New year

lisa k. and melanie w. said...

happy new year to you

Anonymous said...

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I wish you all the best in 2009, I'm sure it will be another year where the good will outweigh the bad.

Good luck this year!

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www.athleticsphotooftheweek.blogspot.com

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