Has it Really Been a Month?

Wow! How did that happen? September is always a mad house. Riley back to school and me back to work. Actually I didn't take time off in August but many of my colleagues did and it feels like after Labour Day, everything happens at a frantic space. I don't think I'll attempt to capture all that has happened this month, it was a month of work, school and more travel, me to Philadelphia and Riley to Montreal.

The biggest event for both of us was Riley beginning his diving season with his junior coach. A lot has happened this past year and one of the most challenging things for Riley has been the growing dislike, distrust and frustration with his coach. In order to have the best result possible, a coach and athlete have to be in harmony, both working toward the same goal for the same reasons. Unfortunately, Riley's coach made some personal and professional choices that created a training atmosphere for Riley that became intolerable. (read back to June 16th and "something is off" now becomes clear...)

As a family, we agreed that he would finish out the year and that during the summer break we would explore changes that would maximize his opportunity to attain his Olympic goal as well as find a way for him to enjoy his sport again. It was a very difficult decision and one not taken lightly - there really were only two choices; find a coach in Victoria or move him to Montreal. All agreed the least risky would be Victoria and the change became obvious - reunite Riley with his junior coach Tommy. Tommy and Riley had partnered together to for six years and had tremendous success and Riley felt that with Tommy he could work on some of the things that had been neglected this past year and would have a coach who was working with him and for him.

Its early days but the new/old partnership seems to be going well. Riley seems happy, is working hard and feels very supported which I think is a big deal. I'm quite amazed at what Riley was able to accomplish this year as I start to understand how difficult the training environment was. I'm even more proud of him then ever.