Maybe it's our fault cuz we don't win medals at worlds/olympics. i mean duh all we'd have to do is grow a penis and facial hair.. oops did i say that.
But seriously, most of us struggle. If you're elite it's because you sacrificed everything to put weightlifting first. THAT means you don't work full time, you probably dont have a college degree cuz you dont have time/money for school and it means you're dirt poor. Do i need to explain the spiral down the 90 degree incline in Colorado Springs? We have to take off work (that hurts our back anyways from standing so long) for sports medicine appointments. We need the money though, to buy food to keep us strong enough and healthy enough to handle the training. We also need money to travel to competitions to prove our significance in the sport to get sponsors (if they even exist). Dont even think about flying home for Christmas. Oh, you're belt broke? ya you're skipping the Arnold Classic beacuse 79$ entry fee plus travel and hotel is not gonna happen over a 100$ belt you cant train without.
Now, i'm not complaining i'm one of the lucky ones with a supportive family and a generous coach... but that doesnt always make things easier. Read the article on Sarah she just posted. OH but Wait, dont stress too much it's bad for training. Stumble 8 more steps hit 7 trees insert splinters.
I guess i coulda been a gymnast or a professional volleyball player except i'm too tall and too short. Maybe i'll switch back to soccer. Just kidding we do this cuz we love it at least... i do. I'll probably die of stress before i'm 30 but damnit i'll be a champion.
Fearlessly,
Jess
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ReplyDeleteThis is depressing to me... I'm new to the sport, but it's the only one I've ever loved, and I kind of feel like if I can't take it as far as possible, what's the point? I know that's kind of terrible, because one should do things just because one loves them, but it's disheartening to know that there's no future in olympic lifting for me. I'm already 23 and I've been doing this less than a year, and I feel like a) time's running out and b) I already don't have any money, and there won't be any waiting for me.
ReplyDeleteYou (and Sarah) are really role models to me, though, and reading your blog is really helpful to me, and inspiring. Good luck to you and thanks for writing here.
Dont worry you just started lifting anyways a year is basically a new born! i've been lifting 9 years in feb. i'm basically a 100. like i said i do it because i love it we arent in a sport that will have money waiting or a role in a famous movie after you're done. roll with the punches and get strong! -J
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