Separating WANT from NEED
The past couple of months I have been getting countless texts and e-mail asking if I am going to the Olympics. My thoughts are that I will address my goals for the season on this blog, so all of us are on the same page.
I was in the library at Mead High School of my sophomore year, searching races results when I had stumbled across Vancouver B.C. winning the bid for the 2010 Olympics. I remember telling myself "I need to find a way to make it there." I had always dreamed of being on the U.S. Ski Team and racing the World Cup tour, but for some reason when I saw that the Olympics were going to be so close to home it gave me a clear image of what I was chasing.
After that, a lot of big decisions in my life always came with the question.... "Will this help or hurt me getting there?" Trust me, that question kept me out of a lot of trouble. It also took me to Chile to train for skiing, instead of staying with my football team the fall of my senior year, making me miss playing in 3 games. The question kept me on the snowfields at Hood instead of the lakes around home during the summer. It helped make my decision to keep racing for Schweitzer instead of going to school. All of those decisions were huge in getting me where I had dreamed of being.
I want to be in the 2010 Olympics. But in working so hard and making hard choices to get where I am today, I realize that sometimes you have to separate what you WANT and what you NEED… just like I had with my choices before.
My #1 focus is returning from this knee injury the right and healthy way. I believe I am as ready as I was last year to compete in the opening Nor Ams in Loveland and Aspen. But with that being said, I think most of December I will still be building my way back up.
Another major focus this season is on the Nor Am tour and contending for the NOR-AM overall title. In winning the NOR-AM Overall you are awarded World Cup start rights for every world cup race the next season. But having this, as my focus will keep me away from battling for World Cup starts in December. Scoring World Cup points is how you make it to the Olympics. I believe this is the best path for long-term success in my career.
My dad has always told me to enjoy the journey, and when given an opportunity take advantage of it. That’s my final focus for this season. Being out last year really made me not just miss skiing. I missed the grind. I missed the wax room. I missed my smelly roommates. I missed the long late-night car rides and the crazy bad jet lag. So keeping my eyes open and enjoying the ride is a must.
I’ll be in Europe following the early January Nor-Ams. And if I am given an opportunity, maybe I’ll find a way to make it to there...
Until next time, keep it smooth.
Will
Well said Will. Don't worry about living up to others expectations. Good luck on your recovery and your path to ski racing.
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Will,
good for you!!! What I want to know is when will you be close enough for us to come and watch you ski?
Your home-town fan,
Olivette
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Will,
I love your blog! Your writing is very entertaining and reading about your experiences brings back so many good memories. You have a great mindset about this comeback season, patients is key to having a strong recovery! Best of luck!
~Court
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Will,
With the 2010 Olympics looming, I thought it was time to see what you were up to. I am sorry to hear of your knee surgery, but I hope recovery is going well. I wanted to come see you at Hoopfest, but I got lost between getting our butts kicked and irritated with the crowds. Anyway, I was just curious on how you were doing. Best of luck Will.
Coach Drew
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Way to go at Lake Louise! We are excited for you!
Dave and Carol
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Whoooppppeeeeeeee,
We are going to try our best to go to the Olympics to watch YOU ski for the USA.
Congratulations Will. The Parrishes are very proud to be able to call you their friend.
Best of luck and we hope to see you compete.
Barney Parrish
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will,
Congratulations! Enjoy the ride.
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Will, you were a very spirited young man. I'm proud to say great job. Go deep into your training. Make decisions based on training, faith and skill. Roger, Justine, Grandma Kay and I will be watching. Tell the family hi!
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Will, congratulations on getting named to the Olympic team! You wouldn't believe how excited all the SSRA racers, parents, and alumni are. Every one is pulling for you. I hope the experience will help you continue to build your future as a ski racer! Mark Burandt
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Hello Will. Tim Collins here from Brundage Mountain in McCall. So proud of what you have accomplished since I was the race director for the 1-2 years you were at
Bluewood.It was probably sad to go at first to Spokane,but look how it turned out with Taggert and SARS. ***w0w*** Yes.......I know,you had MANY coaches as I tried to get all the Mitey Mites different exposures and to keep it fun. It's been quite a week as I remember,Hailey Duke was coming to Bluewood at that time from the McCall Ski Race Team and now she has been selected also. GOOD LUCK AT THE OLYMPICS!! Sincerely.....Tim Collins/McCall,Idaho
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thanks i needed this post
Ben
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Will,
congrats on the 10th place in the super-combined. I'm a new fan and will be watching your progress as your knee continues getting stronger. I met a friend of yours on a plane last week flying back to chicago - Sean Thompson, who was coming here for an interview.
Good luck on the tour!
Best Regards,
Andy Swick - your Chicago fan
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Hi Will!
Just wanted to congratulate you on skiing a BLISTERING combined race, way to be- yeah!!!! Your slalom run, in particular, kicked some serious ass. Only .02 seconds out of the fastest run of the day, woo hoo! Keep up the good work- I'm excited to watch you progress and can't wait for the world cup next year (and the rest of this year!). Best wishes!
- Meghan, Emily's friend from high school who skied for SSRA
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