My Olympic experience is something that I’ll never forget.

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.

12^th of August 2016. The best day of my life. I remember waking up and thinking “hey it’s my 19^th 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.