Olympic Conquest

Cory - On His Own

I stand in front of the U.S. Olympic training facility, ready to embark on the next phase of my career. I remember the first time I entered an Olympic training facility as a member of the U.S. Olympic team. I was so ready to attack any mountain and prove myself for my country - excited to be there with my brother Ashton. Today, I'm older and I hope wiser. I feel more in control. Only I'm on my own. But , unlike last time, I know Ashton is by my side. And even though I haven't seen Lainey in a long time, she's in my heart and my mind every day - giving me strength to keep moving forward. The love we had doesn't just go away. I know that now.

My knee feels better than ever and Martin and Karen agree that I'm ready for advanced training, but as I reach for the door, a wave of doubt rushes over me. Should I be making a run for the Olympic team when last time was so disastrous? I'm already a gold medalist. Should I be attempting to take an Olympic spot from someone younger? What do I hope to achieve by going back to the Olympics again? I stand motionless for a moment. Maybe today isn't the right day for this. I turn to leave.

Halfway to my car, I stop. I know what I hope to achieve. I need to ski down the mountain faster than anyone else. Nothing else matters.

I enter the training facility determined to rewrite history - to leave a positive impression on Alpine skiing and go out strong. I walk past coaches watching over their athletes in the gym, hoping each will be a winner. A few wave as I walk by.

"Cory!"

It's John. 

"Hi John, it's nice to see you here. I'm surprised you're not out on the mountain." We shake hands.

"I'd rather be on the mountain. But you know how it is. Gotta keep the muckety-mucks in the loop on everything. Be tested, poked and prodded all day long. I feel like I'm back in high school sometimes. Anyway, I'm glad you came. I spoke to the powers that be and your timing to get back into competition couldn't be better. Everyone's getting ready for the World Cup. The coaches are in a meeting but I'm sure they'll be happy to see you. I'll take you back."

I follow John to a conference room, preparing to give my pitch for why I should be given a spot on the U.S. Ski Team. He opens the door and I step inside.

"Welcome back!!" The entire ski team and coaches are packed into the small conference room and there's a cake in the middle of the table.

"Wow! What is this? Who is this for?"

John laughs, "this is for you Cory."

 "I don't know what to say." I stand looking at all my former teammates and a few new faces. John's smiling at my surprise. They seem genuinely happy to see me.

Jeremy, the head coach, steps forward. "Well, with this kind of reception, we sure hope you're here to say you're back on the team?"

"I would be honored coach." Jeremy extends his hand and resounding cheers are heard through the halls of the training facility. "It feels good to be back," I tell everyone, especially myself.

The next day, I can't wait to tell Karen how good I feel about being back on the ski team. I've actually gotten to a point where I look forward to our sessions. I get to her office and Martin's there too.

"Hey, I didn't know you'd both be here?" I look at them, wondering what's up.

Karen takes the lead, "Cory, we have some great news for you."

"Oh yeah, I have great news too. But you go first."

Karen looks at Martin then back at me. "Both Martin and I feel you are ready to continue with your career on your own. You've made such amazing progress. Congratulations." She stands and extends her hand to me.

I look at Martin who doesn't look so happy about it and then back at Karen. "Really? That's it?"

"Are you concerned that you're not ready to be on your own?" she asks.

"A little notice would have been nice."

"I agree," Martin chimes in. "But look, I'm around. So is Karen. If you need us, you know where to find us. We're always here for you."

"Absolutely," Karen agrees.

The room gets quiet as we all stare at each other. Finally, I stand up.

"I'm not sure what to say other than thank you." I shake their hands. And I turn and leave, unable to share my good news. It feels like I lost two close friends. I know I shouldn't look at it that way. Not needing to see them anymore is a good thing. I guess it feels more like being alone than being on my own. I should know that with every up, there's always a down. And I'll get through it. I hope.