Perspective gained on a missed Olympic Games
What Happens When You Don’t Make the Olympics?
By Keely Kelleher, 2-16-10
Since the morning of January 27th I have felt an immense amount of disappointment. As many of you may know I recently became an alternate for the speed events at the Olympics in Vancouver. I have never in my life felt so crushed and defeated. For an entire week I dreaded coming home to Big Sky feeling like I let down the community that has stuck with me through injuries, success and failure.
I thought tirelessly about what I would say to my fellow Montanans, my family and my friends. How would they react to my failure? I sat in my room for four days feeling sorry for myself, sleeping, eating and crying. I felt too ashamed to show my face in public. It’s a hard bit of information to swallow; however, I tell you this because honestly it is what I did and how I felt. I’ve got nothing to hide. I felt distraught and hopeless. I wanted nothing to do with the sport that has always been my passion. As you can clearly see, I had zero perspective on the situation.
On the fourth day of my self-destructive behavior my sister called me, said the snow in Big Sky was phenomenal and, “Get up here and make some turns!” Driving the familiar mountain road to Big Sky, I smiled, unforced, for the first time in a week. Walking into the Arrowhead Mall to the second floor I was cheerfully greeted by the Lone Mountains Sports team. Amongst the greetings all I could hear, “Keely we are so proud of you!” Throughout the morning I was scheming in my head what I would say to everyone that has supported me for so long. Turns out, making the Olympic team or not, I still had the people I love most in the world care about me.
I have been free skiing in Big Sky every day since. Everyone who greets me on the mountain, whether they know me or not, show unbelievable support. On Valentines Day I got the last tram ride with seven-year-old Michael Romney. It happened to be his first time on the tram and with a huge gleaming smile he asked my name. When I told him, his dad got excited and preceded to tell me that Michael is my biggest fan and he never misses a Keely’s Corner. Moments like these put everything into perspective.
So many times athletes base their self worth on results and team selections. I am no different. There have been a lot of days where my mood would go sour over hundredths and tenths of a second. Nevertheless, I would not have made it to the World Cup without always searching for the podium. What I can say: it is the people, the places and the experiences I’ve gained in the world through ski racing that will outlast long in my memory before a result.
I want to thank the Montana Community, the Big Sky Community, my family and my friends for constantly supporting my goals in ski racing. It would not be possible without you! Thank you for being apart of my journey!
[End of article]Fame and distinction is fleeting and really means nothing. Aim high but enjoy yourself regardless.
Comment By Steve Richardson, 2-16-10Keely, not all your fans and supporters are in Montana! You are so much more than a ski racer! That's what those who love you are saying!! Ski Race with passion as long as you enjoy it and then find the new directions your journey will take you on.
Be of good heart and strong spirit! Someone very wise once shared a very profounde quote with me:
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well... and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with you old nonsense.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I've shared it since with those that mean a lot to me. So, today, I return it to you with thanks! Know you are loved and many care for you, not a ski racer!
Sweet Keely...
"If I ask anybody who learned to ski after the age of five, they can remember their first day of skiing — what the weather was like, who they went with, what they had for lunch. I believe that’s because that first day on skis was the first day of total freedom in their life."
-Warren Miller
You were skiing at the age of two, freedom at an early age.
Keely I am glad you rebounded so quickly and with such a positive perspective on the hole thing.
Comment By Sue Orr, 2-17-10Hey, I don't even know who you are, but I read the blog because I wondered what it was like to NOT go to the Olympics? Watching the events is very interesting, and I respect and admire the athletes. I just think the questions they ask the athletes after the events are so stupid. "What about the pressure," "How do you deal with the pressure?" Pressure pressure pressure. It is so dumb.. Many of the skiers I am sure, just want to ski well and have a good run! Anyway, I wish I could have been there when you walked into the room at Big Sky.....it is not all about winning, or getting there...it is about the journey! Good luck in whatever you do!
Comment By Cat, 2-17-10Your honesty is refreshing. I'm sorry that you had such a hard time with it, but I'm heartened to hear that you were greeted with such positive responses and that it helped you find your way back to a balanced perspective.
I would love to write up some pearls of wisdom and to say that winning is not important, but sometimes, at that moment, for whatever reason, it is.
But, I think it's how we handle the losses and challenges that strengthen our character. It appears that you have figured this out as you picked yourself up and got moving again. Good on ya'.
keely, big sky and all who know you,your family and your intense drive to win and compete are very proud of you and your dedication to the sport of ski racing. theres another start,finish and podium waiting after the olympics are done. there's another olympics too,so continue. it was great to see you in the mall the other day and good luck in the remainder of the season. thanks for coming home to enjoy your home turf. mac
Comment By Mickey Garcia, 2-18-10As long as you continue to explore and develop your many talents, exciting opportunities will continue to open up for you.
Comment By wapitidropiti, 2-18-10Had you been born at a different time, you may have been skiing #1 for the USA. Lindsey,Julia, Stacey, Resi and Keely are part of the best US ski team ever. All of you have accomplished a great deal.
So few of us achieve true excellence in anything.
I'm proud to say that I know you. Great job
Big Sky always has the power to make you feel better. That's what I miss about it. Keep up the hard work and committment that has proven successful for you thus far and you will go far in whatever you choose to do. Your moment will come and when it does it will be super amazing. Ski a tram lap today for all the desk jockies, like me, and enjoy!!!
Comment By Jackie Alford, 2-18-10Keely,
Thank you for trusting enough to share; one's darkest moments teach us all about understanding the human experience.
My biggest disappointment about retiring is that I feel like a failure because of status and money! Phooey!
I am throwing my towel back into the rink of art education in order to contribute something good in this mixed up world. No matter how many obstacles come up in the world of education. (Older worker, recession, blah, blah, blah,)
So young lady we have another journey this year; your appreciation and passion for excellence inspires me too! We are so connected in this dance of life. Jackie
Keely,
You have not a thing to be ashamed of! You are a world class athlete in an extreamly competitive arena where as little as .09 can seperate 1st from 3rd! you are an insperation for all of us goofy Kelleher's, keep it up! Remember, VERY few every get the chance to say "I raced on the world cup circuit!" Love and kisses.
Such an important message for everyone - the joy is truly in the journey and while it is important to aim high, as you say, "winning" is not the only and certainly not the true test of character.
Comment By Simone du Boulay, 2-23-10Yesterday is gone, its time for a new adventure and project.
Believe in yourself and know that you gave it your best shot....
Letting go of the past is one of the hardest lessons in life, feel the loss, release it and then look to the future......... You are young, smart, attractive and have the world at your feet....... Follow your heart and most of all keep doing the things you love and have ooodles of fun along the way......... Guru ozzie Sim xx
IM SO GLAD THAT I HAD THE PLEASURE TO SKI WITH YOU IN 2009 AT THE MAMMOTH INVITATIONAL. YOU ARE A TRUE COMPETITOR AND GREAT WOMAN. HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH BECAUSE YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THINGS MANY ONLY DREAM OF. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE IN WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU. "FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU, NOT TO HARM YOU. PLANS FOR A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE." JERIMIAH 29-11. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON..
RICK CONRADO...YOUR LOS ANGELES POLICE DETECTIVE SKI FRIEND.
Keels,
I knew that, even during those tough early days after the disappointing news had just been delivered, you'd come out on top. You have so much to be proud of, I know I am proud of you! Keep smiling girl, what a difference a few powder days can make!~ Love and hugs.
Dear Keely,
From your South Dakota friends.....We love you and are more than proud to say we know you and have witnessed your awesome character, determination and goodness. May you hold fast to those traits and use them to press on through the next door that is opening up to you, be it more skiing or a new adventure!
All our very best to you today and always!
Maggie