At training camp I learned that you have to be five steps ahead of your opponent. Their actions will betray their weaknesses. If you wait for it and know the signs you will succeed. You walked right into that throw. I saw the opening and I took it. You never saw it coming. Pin!
That is only half the game though. What are my weaknesses? What do my actions betray? What does my opponent have over me that could lead to my defeat? I will find them and hide them away. I will make sure of it and you will be mine!
I will be able to say it belongs to me this summer. I'll fight you for it and I'll win every time - on the mat and off.
Long weekend of competition at the State Championships. I was optimistic going into the weekend that I would improve on my performance from previous tournaments. I felt good going into the tournament and made weight without difficulty. I wrestled hard and my coach said he sees progress every week. I didn't place as high as I had hoped, and was frustrated with my performance.
Frustration can work to your advantage though. During my last match on day 2 I decided to leave it all on the mat. I tried a throw that I had never tried before. He was in danger, but then he countered and scored. I lost the match, but won the battle. After the match, my opponent told me how much I frustrated him throughout the match. I had improved since our previous match up.
Frustration.... I will use it to keep surprising you. Eventually I will beat you!
The person I idolize has quit 2 times now. What a terrible feeling it was when Rulon Gardner laid his shoes on the mat in Athens, signifying his retirement from the sport of wrestling. At the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics, Gardner pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history by defeating a man who many believed could not be beat -- Russian Alexander Karelin. Four years later, Gardner took Bronze in Athens and retired. Now Rulon has quit "The Biggest Loser" without so much as an explanation.
His trainers, the other contestants and the media demanded a reason, but he gave none. I realize that he has larger plans. Perhaps he is needed at home with his family. Maybe he will return to wrestling. I don't know what his plans are, but I don't need to. Knowing those plans should not change how I feel about him and his accomplishments. Being disappointed in him will only close my mind to the possibilities in the future.
What do I learn from this? Sometimes you have to walk away in order to win next time. Don't sacrifice what you have to do because others may not understand. Don't be afraid to break the mold. It will become clear with time. The rest will come if it is meant to be. Being true to yourself is how you become the biggest winner.
It was a long day at school today, and an even longer practice. This is the time to focus and be the best I can be. When I go into that arena to represent my county or my state, it will be well worth the wait. I have waited my whole life for this dream to come true. I can't believe I'm only 6 weeks from my dream! It is well worth it!
Watched the coach's archive review of greco basics. It's valuable to minimize your life so that you can concentrate on basic, solid skills. When I get really involved in something I take the simple steps for granted. I need to focus on making each move meaningful, purposeful and productive - alone and together with others.
Today I begin with a renewed focus and determination. I will become the champion I am working to be. Come along for the ride if you dare. I know you may not understand, but it is what makes me whole.
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