The Clinch

This will be my last blog entry for a while. I am having surgery in the new year. You can follow my rehab on
  
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clinch-Wrestling/155388884566775

Today I had a phone interview for a sports blog.  I was ready to answer questions about my journey in wrestling, including my injury.  I was even ready to answer questions about school and how I manage my time. I did all of that and more.  So what happened? The reporter asked me what my favorite movie was and I drew a blank.  

What's my favorite movie? Nothing came out of my mouth. I have lots of favorite movies. I love action and adventure movies. I enjoy crazy comedies. Scientific movies are intriguing. Why could I not think of one single movie title? 

The answer came to me later that day. I know movies add relief and balance to life. When I'm talking about wrestling though, there is only one movie on my mind.  It has no title, and the ending isn't written yet. That is the movie that constantly plays in my head....  a story about my road to the top of the podium.  

That's my favorite movie. 

My 2011 folkstyle season is over and my 2012 freestyle and Greco seasons are uncertain.  On November 8, 2011, I suffered an injury during wrestling practice.  The injury to my elbow is a complete tear of the UCL and a partial tear of the common flexor tendon. I am doing physical therapy now to build strength and surgery may be in my future. 

This past month I have had very conflicted feelings. I have learned many things about the people around me and myself.

Actions really do speak louder than words. The people who have helped me the most are the ones who have talked to me about anything, not just wrestling.  They include friends like Caleb, Justin, Brianna, Dylan, Haley and Christina.  They appreciate me for the many things I am beyond being a wrestler.   

Saying “I’m sorry” matters. It may seem like simple words, but it is so much more than that. It is an acknowledgement of your actions against another. It is the first step in changing the behavior of the person saying it.  Without those words, they will never truly change.

To triumph despite obstacles is the greatest achievement. My eyes are firmly set on the international team qualifier in May. To participate in that will be an accomplishment.

I see what they mean when they say ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’.  I hope that this injury will not prevent me from wrestling in the future because I love the sport so much. I think this is a good opportunity to help others realize that anger and carelessness have no place on the mat.  I'm not sure how I will share that message, but I am going to try. 

No one thing defines you. I am blessed to be intelligent and motivated to become a physician.  This injury hopefully will not limit those choices in the future. 

Thank you to everyone who has lifted me up in word or deed this past month.  Please continue, and if you haven’t – please start. I will need the support of everyone to heal. 

The last lesson I have learned from this experience is - 

Revenge has its place in life.  As Marcus Aurelius said – “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”