Riley finished up in Puerto Rico this Sunday with a silver on the 10 metre platform. He really wanted to win but was beat out by a US diver by 11 points. His coach Tommy called me very excited with the event - even though they didn't win, he was especially pleased that Riley was making the changes asked of him to enable him to improve even more. This is a transition time they remind me (from coach to coach) and all is on track.
What was probably most exciting however was not how Riley performed in the pool but how he managed outside the pool. This was a tough meet for him - having so much freedom on the senior circuit is quite different than traveling en masse with the juniors. I knew Riley would struggle. I was so very pleased to hear Tommy tell me how great Riley was on the trip. He was the perfect role model with the kids, laughing, cheering and all round a good leader. Given Riley knew the importance of giving back ... but can also be pretty self absorbed ... (read teenager and elite athlete) anything could have happened. I'm so pleased he chose the right path and gave the national office something to be proud of, and for me, it was more than the medal.
What was probably most exciting however was not how Riley performed in the pool but how he managed outside the pool. This was a tough meet for him - having so much freedom on the senior circuit is quite different than traveling en masse with the juniors. I knew Riley would struggle. I was so very pleased to hear Tommy tell me how great Riley was on the trip. He was the perfect role model with the kids, laughing, cheering and all round a good leader. Given Riley knew the importance of giving back ... but can also be pretty self absorbed ... (read teenager and elite athlete) anything could have happened. I'm so pleased he chose the right path and gave the national office something to be proud of, and for me, it was more than the medal.
1 comment:
You are always so positive!! And, as you should be. Silver is way better than gold in my book (check my wedding ring), and I love the photos on the beach.
Every win, big or small, is a pat on the back for you too. Glad to hear the new coach is working out.
Congrats.
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