~:[CH6 - Day 98]:~ The True Champions
Today was Arcadia. So many athletes aim to get into the meet and only a handful succeed in doing so. It was the first time in a number of years that i have had an athlete compete in the event, as last year, I had a qualifier who was unable to compete due to injury. It was awesome to have this experience, but it definitely was a slightly intimidating one. While he didn't jump to his PR, he still battled a sore knee and ended up placing in fifth place. It was not the mark he was hoping for, but simply competing and being here is what makes him a champion. He's has a lot of motivation now to get better, work harder so that he can stand atop the podium, but just the fact that he's out there, makes me proud. It was also a great day as I caught up with former athletes who were at the meet. It always is amazing to catch up with former students and athletes to see where they are going. To think about how much they have grown since I worked with them, inspires me to work harder every day. After lunch with my cousin, we headed back home. After a little time with my family, I met with the Kim family. As we met trying to get everything setup for the GoFundMe and more, the mom wouldn't let me pay for our drinks at the tea shop. After facing what the family did, she still was gracious enough to cover the costs of the drinks for us all. It made me more motivated to do whatever I can to help this family. After I got home, I kept seeing the family sitting together around the table. I know they are still facing their struggles, but to see them smile together made me realize something, that love and family is the true champion in our lives. The family faced another setback and there will be challenging times ahead because of it all, but together, they can overcome this. Just like my athletes, they will have moments where they fall short, they may not be blessed with everything that others may have around them, they may face obstacles such as the pains my athlete today had, but with the love and support of friends and family, I felt in my heart that in the end they will win. As I sat here and finished up this blog, I was touched by the outpouring of support and love from everyone from those that know the family to those who just saw it from a distance or on a post on Facebook. My heart that ached just two days ago is beginning to feel the mends that will bind it together even stronger than it was before. As today was truly a day of champions - athletes, family, friends and even strangers.
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