Sunday, August 23, 2009

Keeping My Head Up

You know what’s hard about trying to be the best in the World at something? Trying to be ok with 9th best in the World. It’s not an easy pill to swallow. Not when you know you could do better and not when you know that you should’ve done better. I could also choose to focus on all the positive things I have accomplished this year but that’s a bit difficult for a person like myself. The best I can do is try to make room in my head for both. In my mind I’m thinking, “I’ve jumped 6.80…if I could’ve just done that today I would’ve had a bronze medal!” But that is not what I jumped today unfortunately, and I’m doing my best to keep my head up.

That’s what everyone keeps telling me… “Keep your head up, Bri”…followed by some positive statement that I know in my heart is true. For starters, I’m here. I made the final. I did all this after a year when I said I didn’t want to even jump anymore. So I have every reason to hold my head high. But when I do my eyes are still glistening with tears because I know I could’ve done more and I wanted to so badly. But that’s life, and that’s sport, and in both there are lessons to be learned each and every time. I’ll be back. And the next time I’m on the World Stage will be better than this time. There is nothing more I can do than commit to doing more the next time around. In the meantime I’ll just continue to hold my head up high and remind myself that there are a whole lot of people in this world, and out of those there are a handful who consider themselves long jumpers, so to be the 9th best out of all those people really isn’t too shabby.

17 comments:

j buck said...

are you bringing back my piece of the wall that I asked for? if not, I will never post here again! ha!

9'th best in the world. oh god, here it comes, that big head! fine, you did it, jumped it, earned it, you are 9'th best in the world, enjoy!

OmegaHerc said...

You all did great for the U.S.!! Have fun in Germany, down a Pilsner for us! You have the #1 track blog by my counts. Big Ups.

E.M.H. said...

Don't knock yourself for what you did not accomplish...look at how far you have come in the last year, the goals you set for yourself, and the blessings you have received. You might not have achieved your ultimate goal but you are 9th in the world, not many can say that. I'm sure plenty more blessings and accomplishments are yet to come fore you :-) Keep believing in yourself and having faith....you'll get there. :-)

anony moose said...

@ EMH.....only 1 can say they are 9'th in the world but 8 others can say they are top 8. Ha!

I think the cut off should be Top 10 in the World and leave it at that. :)

So does this mean next year you are going to have sponsorship? Get into any event you want? Is the season over or is there more jumping to do?

Diandra Ann said...

AWESOME Brianna! I know it's got to be hard when you're trying to be the best, but that is AWESOME! 9th in the WORLD?!?! How many people can say they are in the top 10 in the world at ANYTHING??? I cant! I am so glad to hear you say you'll be back next year! You go girl!

Melinda said...

Congratulations! What an accomplishment. I understand being disappointed, but I am stoked to say I read the blog of one of THE BEST long-jumpers in the world. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

I saw your jumps, here, in Portugal. I have no words to explain what i felt seeing your concentration, your performance, your beauty... You said "I'll be back" and that´s the way! Even if life bring you some sad moments, for sure you will find even more moments to enjoy what you do! I´m finding myself looking for you on Google, looking for a blog... I´m starting to know you and i like so much what you have been written, always with your head up! Wonderful...amazing...the way you share your feelings! A kiss just for you!

Jasmine said...

Enjoy Nice, France and be sure to eat the clams and french fries!
Miss u

Bianca said...

Wish I was there! I should be there! WIsh I wasn't broke! I shouldn't be broke!

Wait, this is not about me.

Enjoy Nice and tell Debbie Deb I'm jealous. Buy a nice purse... you have my permission.

Anonymous said...

POSITIVEITY RISES TO THE TOP ...... ALL THE WAY !!

Anonymous said...

Don't beat yourself up too much. Your performance in one meet doesn't change the fact that you have skills of a World Champion. Your journey and testimony is more influential and inspiring than any medal (Sports companies have lost their freaking minds not to scoop you up and have you represent). Thanks for sharing.

asap said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dexter said...

Bri,

I've been at both ends of the spectrum - I've stood on the podium and I've been left behind while the team left to compete. So, I understand how you feel.

Just know that you'll be better equipped to put it all in perspective later on.

Just know this - I hope you fully appreciate the one major difference... you have touched so many people. I'm not just talking about your blog.... you have inspired people; you've inspired ME; by giving us all a glimpse into your "so called fabulous life". You have defined what a "World Champion" is no matter what place you finished.

Dexter

Anonymous said...

that a girl--you know michael jordan talks more about his loses then he does his wins--think about about--he talks more about the shots he missed then the last minute clutch ones he made--point is fall down 7 times get up 8--his not winning for so long pushed his desire to prepare--and win--it truly is that simple--what say you--what do you?--joep vegas/dc

Slim Jackson said...

Meant to leave a message here a few days ago. This is a simple but great post, particularly as someone who used to frolic in the sand. Regardless of where you placed, it's still a great accomplishment as you pointed out. I definitely think the best is yet to come. You got me all motivated and what not. I'm bout to go for a run in the rain just because! lol.

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