US Sailing Paralympic Blog - Team USA Shines

by Sarah Hawkins and Betsy Alison on 14 Sep 2008 >US coaches, Betsy Alison and Sarah Hawkins repprt from the Paralympics in Qingdao

Saturday, September 13, 2008

If smiles could generate pure wattage of energy, I think that the smiles of John Ruf, Nick Scandone and Maureen McKinnon-Tucker today at the medal ceremony could have lit Times Square on any given night, 4 times over! But, let's not let me get too far ahead of myself.

We just finished 5 days of competition here in Qingdao over 6 days; we've been here just about 2 ½ weeks and we've put everything we had into racing on the water. I think I can safely say that no one on the team left anything on shore. They took it to the water, gave it their very best, and made us all very, very proud with their effort and determination. When all the cards were played and the chips cashed in, our US SAILING Paralympians brought home some bling in the form of gold and bronze medals.

Most of you know that Maureen and Nick clinched the gold yesterday with a day to spare, however, what most of you may not know yet is that the duo decided to go out on the course today for the first race of the day and sail hard, to thoroughly enjoy sailing the SKUD around the course with competitors that they like and respect. They honored their fellow SKUDders by showing up -- not just to sail, but to play the game!

On the 2.4mR course, Johnny Ruf had his work cut out for him, sitting in second with 5 boats nipping at his heels there was no relaxation to be had. John went out today and sailed some strong solid races. He gave it everything, and when the final points were tallied, he was tied with the German medalist but had the goods to win the tie breaker. Johnny seems to have some good juju on his side when it comes to tie breakers (much to his father's chagrin, I might add. Fritz told me after the racing was concluded that he really didn't know how many more of these tie-breaks his heart could take). Surrounded by his parents and sister, Johnny was elated and so he should be. He raised the level of his game substantially in the past year and has given notice that he is a competitor to be reckoned with!

Our Sonar guys are a bit disappointed with their 8th place finish, but they know they came on with a vengeance in the last two days, showing what they are made of and putting in some stellar results. Even though they did not medal this time out, Rick, Tim and Bill were thrilled for their teammates and were some of the loudest cheerers at the prize giving.

Support, comaraderie and team work have been important elements of our sailing team here in China. We worked hard together, commiserated when things got tough, laughed together and cheered each other on. I could not be more proud of our 6 athletes, 3 coaches, team leader and medical support staff. Each and every person filled a niche within our team -- it was all about the team, all of the time. It was good, no scratch that, it was great!

When our medalists were on the podium this evening, you could feel the national pride, the swell of chests with hands over hearts as the flag was raised high and our national anthem raised. More than a few tears were seen moistening cheeks. We are proud of who we are, of the nation we represent and the honor and responsibility that comes with that territory. This experience would not have been nearly as full and rewarding if it were not for the participation and support of friends and family both here and at home. The smiles on our sailors' faces when they had spent time with loved ones were apparent. Many thanks to one and all.

Sarah will send more news soon. Tomorrow is pack out day and that will be another story.
All is well in China. We send you our very best,
Betsy



Sail fast,
Sarah Hawkins
Team Leader
2008 US Paralympic Sailing Team


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