I know it has been a few weeks since the death of Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, but I wanted to wait post on this comment because I had to take the time to formulate my thoughts. I had met Speedy first while training in Chula Vista, CA, for the 2010 Olympics in the summer of 2009. I had gotten a chance to know a little bit about him, had a few conversations, and we both wishes each other best of luck in making the Olympic team before parting ways. The picture above was taken during the opening ceremonies, where we met again- excited to see each other having both made the Olympic team, and in joyous celebration! I remember we were both so elated to be there, and in awe of the moment. The next time I would see Speedy, it would be the night of my medal ceremony. While in the green room waiting to walk on stage and accept our medals, Erin and I watched Speedy compete and win his silver medal- such an exciting moment, which made our medal acceptance that much greater having seen another U.S. Olympian win another Olympic medal. A night later we would meet again at a party hosted by Under Armour, where we would hug and share our medals- both of us wearing them and huge grins! Speedy was so much in awe in what he had accomplished, and he it was electrifying to be around him. Turns out that would be the last time I would ever see Speedy...
Speedy's life ended too soon, and so tragically. I cannot comment about what he was going through, or the exact circumstances of his life, but his death brings many thoughts to mind. Many people believe that just because you win an Olympic medal your life is great- that because you won a medal, no day in your life should ever be unhappy again; I sure wish it worked like that, but sadly, it doesn't. The act of winning an Olympic medal is a moment of time in our lives; we are all athletes who compete at the highest level and are recognized in our sport as the best in the world- but that is who we are as athletes, not as people. God has blessed each of us with a great athletic ability- to be able to perform at the highest level and to glorify Him, as well as our family, country, and friends. Our athletic accomplishments may define us to many others, but it does not define us as people. Winning an Olympic medal is a great moment of my life, but it is not my entire life and it does not define who I am. As I'm not defined by my medal, the medal does not mean that nothing will ever go wrong in my life again. Sure it was a great accomplishment, but I experience pain and sorrow and loss just like everyone else. I also experience happiness and triumph unrelated to my medal. The medal was a moment in my life, but it is not my life.
So why do I bring this up? I have been asked why Speedy would take his own life if he won an Olympic medal. To this I cannot say, but I can tell you this- the Olympic medal is a symbol of his accomplishment, but it is not who he was and it was not something that meant he would never feel anything less than glee every day. He, and all Olympians, are human. We all experience a variety of emotions. Although you see us in some of the happiest moments of our lives, you miss the behind the scenes- the daily blood, sweat, and tears, that we experience as athletes- but also as people.
Unfortunately, although we may fly higher, run faster, and lift more than most people, Olympians are not super human. We experience the same highs and lows of daily life as everyone else. We are not invincible, we are not made of stone, we are simply human...and that is what makes our accomplishments so great.
Speedy was a great athlete, a great person, but most importantly human. He experience much tragedy in his life, but is now forever in peace. I'm blessed to have known him, and I have been truly touched by his life.
RIP Speedy...
In memory of "Speedy" please donate: http://thespeedyfoundation.org/
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