Farewell Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games Day 7 Recap

Well it’s been a few days since my Commonwealth Gold Medal performance in New Delhi, India. There is so much that has run through my head since that time, but probably the most profound thought, is that of gratitude. It was only 4 years ago, that I had an unexplainable performance at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia and I found myself crying so hard, underneath the stadium after the competition…. I was ranked to win and came last. My parents had flown to Australia to watch and I had felt I had let them down, my team, as well as my country…. And I couldn’t wait to come back in 4 years time to compete and win… only this time I wasn’t ranked to win.

Sunday, I entered the competition with only one goal in mind – to win! As I stood on the top of the podium and proudly sung the Canadian anthem, I soaked in every second of it… knowing that this would be the last time I would ever compete at the Commonwealth Games. Since 2008, I have said that unless the high jump ceases to be fun, after London 2012 I will retire. So, after 4 Commonwealth Games it was truly wonderful to leave with a gold medal in hand and to hear the stadium blaring with the Canadian anthem.

I am excited and look forward to the next 2 years of my career. There is so much still to accomplish in such a short window. But, if I’ve learned anything over the years, I can say with most certainty, anything is possible and really the sky is the limit. Moreover, for some reason I seem to like to save the best for last...

I can’t help thinking of how I watched the 1994 Commonwealth Games with such admiration and inspiration, never dreaming a day would come I would compete at the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games. And here I am an Olympian and Commonwealth Gold medalist. All I can say is ‘Wow!!!!’ I hope to continue to demonstrate the power of persistence, and the realization of dreams coming to life. 2011 and 2012 should offer some exciting moments! But, for right now, I’m going to continue to enjoy Sunday’s victory! Oh CANADA!!!!

One last note, I am overwhelmed by the support and congratulations I’ve been showered with. And as I’ve said too many times to count, “if I’ve achieved greatness, it’s because I’ve stood on the shoulders of giants.” So, to the many giants in my life, I’m so profoundly grateful for your involvement in my life.

Life is good and truly there for the taking. Live with no regrets!

Thank you and Oh, CANADA!

Much love,
Nicole