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Clermont, Florida
This was my first world championships and after a season of growth and building I had finally reached a point where my confidence was at a high point. Looking back I can say that all the rough stuff happened for a reason, to make me stronger, but at the time I just felt like a failure. I got over that and by the worlds those feelings were a part of the past. I had taken advantage of living near the World Championships site and skied there as much as I could. I wanted to do everything in my power to do my best at the Worlds and I felt that site familiarization was an important factor. The day of the preliminaries I was quite nervous. The big day had finally come and at that point all I really wanted to do was make to the finals. I made the cut by doing only what I knew I had to do to get in that day. The morning of the finals I felt strangely calm. I was ready to face the World Championships finals and I looked forward to my chance more by the hour. As I stood on the dock, the wind blowing quite steadily, I realized I might have to change my plan. All of the women before me had started at 22off, but I felt like starting at 32off would be a better plan for me. By starting at 32off I would be taking a big risk, but I knew if I could get through 32off and 35off that 38off in the head wind would be much easier. So I decided to do it and I can honestly say I have never been more confident in any decision. I knew that confidence was the real key with this risky choice. If I told myself I could do it, then I would. I got out there and roughed my way through the first two passes. Then it was time, I was into what my dad always likes to call “the money pass.” This was the pass that would make or break me today. I had a great start in the head wind and before I knew it I was going around 6 ball and out the gates. A huge rush took over my entire body and I threw my fist into the air, I hadn’t won but I knew now that I would at least get my chance. I regained my focus and as I sat calmly in the water, I set my mind to get 2 buoys or more at 39off. Unfortunately, I feel that I had not spent enough time at this line length to really get deep enough to win, but I got 1.5 which tied my personal best. I had really wanted at least 2 buoys, but I couldn’t be upset with doing my best. As always, I had the best women in the world after me which meant I would have to sit and watch my fate unfold. After several skiers I soon realized that my score would be enough for the bronze medal! Although gold is what every athlete really desires, I was quite satisfied with the bronze medal that day.
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