When Jeana asked me to write this
next blog post, I struggled to think how I could possibly sum up something so
significant. I mean, it is the pinnacle of all sporting events. The ultimate
goal and a lifelong dream for most athletes. I was one of the very few lucky
enough to make it.
I remember sitting on my couch,
eating scrambled eggs on toast, and thinking I didn’t make it. It was the
second to last day to finalize the Olympic teams for all countries and I had
heard nothing regarding my place on the team. I’m still so young I told myself,
there’s still 2020 to aim for, but nothing made me feel better. I was so close
and I was so devastated. That afternoon, I went to practice and it was harder
than usual not because of the content but because I felt heartbroken.
It’s now the final day of the completion
of the Olympic teams. I go to morning practice, same as every day and I put
everything into it because I promised myself that I’d give 100% and train like
I’m going no matter what happens. But still, it was hard. After practice I
decided to watch Mulan and bundle myself up in a fuzzy blanket and as I was
sitting there, my phone vibrated. I looked down at my phone without unwrapping
myself and I saw a Facebook message from the head of the National Governing
Board of Diving New Zealand saying “You’re going to the Olympics!!!!!”. My
first reaction was that I was literally speechless and in shock. Shortly after
that I just wanted to share my news. The only person in my room at that time
was Taylor, so I ran into her room and we shared the excitement. I then ran
down the hall and shared the news with more people and then finally I called
Doug. He was so happy for me and I was so thankful for him sticking with me and
believing in me all throughout my journey. I was almost in tears. My dream was
coming true.
The next day, interviews on
interviews. Everyone wanted to know who the New Zealand diver was going to the
Rio Olympics. New Zealand hadn’t had a diver qualify and compete in the Olympic
Games since 1992 so it was quite the shock that someone was finally breaking
the 24-year silence. I just couldn’t believe that it was me. Time seemed to
pass quicker than it ever had before. It was already time to leave for the
Olympic Games! I couldn’t sleep the whole flight; I was far too excited.
It was dark when I arrived in the
village so it was hard to see but the next morning was a different story. That
morning I went and explored the entire Olympic Village. There were 2 dining
halls, a McDonalds and vending machines stocked with coke around every corner.
The flags of the world were strung high in middle of the village and Olympians
from all over the world were walking around just like I was. That first morning
was definitely my most memorable moment in the Village because I distinctly
remember walking past Michael Phelps as he was walking into the American building
and it was at that moment that it really hit me… I was really at the Olympic
Games.
12th of August 2016. The
best day of my life. I remember waking up and thinking “hey it’s my 19th
birthday and I’m competing at the Olympic Games today!” I couldn’t help but just lie there for a
second with a huge grin on my face. Standing on the diving board for my first dive,
I took a little longer than I usually do. I stood there with my head up and
took a deep breath in and looked around. I thought to myself, “you made it”.
Every seat in the stands was full and there was silence as everyone waited for
me to dive. It was beautiful. I don’t remember being very nervous which was
surprising, I only remember feeling overwhelmed with joy and pride. The rest of
the competition was a blur, but I remember coming up after every dive and
smiling into the camera.
I got to see my parents for the
first time since moving to America that day. They were so adorable wearing
shirts that said “Go Lizzie” on them. My dad was crying because he was so proud
of me and I felt nothing but happiness in that moment. I spent the evening with
them and they bought me an incredible cake. We toasted to the Olympics, my
dreams and my birthday and then I ate a lot of cake. I didn’t want the moment
to end.
So, to
be asked to sum up my Olympic experience, I’d have to say it’s impossible. But
pretty much, it was everything that every athlete dreams it will be and nothing
less. One thing that competing at the Olympics did teach me however, was that
anything is possible. All those 5 a.m wake ups and all the negative thoughts
about how sore my body was were all insignificant compared to the feeling that
I felt when my hard work paid off. So, if there is any advice that I can offer
you all, it’s not to give up especially when you’re feeling the low because
often times you’ll find that if you just hang on that little bit longer and
fight that little bit harder, that it will pay off.
