Photo courtesy of Shannon Bahrke

As an athlete I get very caught up in my own little world and I really don’t realize how many people are inspired by what I have accomplished and what I am trying to accomplish in the future. I just think of myself as a mogul skier but when the Olympics roll around it suddenly becomes so much more. People from all across America send me messages of “Good Luck” and “Congratulations,” and I can’t tell you how much it means to me.

People on the chair lift say they will watch me and they’ll remember my name and my pink hair! My friends threw a huge party for me and so many people came it brought tears to my eyes. But I think the coolest thing about the Olympic spirit is reaching out and getting in touch with kids! Sharing my experiences and thoughts with kids is so rewarding. If I can inspire one kid to follow their dreams than that is just awesome!!

My Aunt, Mrs. Courtney, and future sister-in-law, Mrs. Turco, are both teachers and their classes have been following my quest to make it back to the Olympics. I want to say hi to all of those kids and thanks for all of your well wishes!! I have a special place in my heart for little Abby and Joe, you two are the best!! Also I want to say hi to Tyler Kosier and the rest of Mrs. Pollard’s 3rd grade class, you guys rock!!!

I can just picture the moment when they all found out I was going to the Olympics, all of those awesome kids cheering and jumping up and down on the playground. I hope you all will be watching on Feb. 13!! Maybe you’ll even get some more recess time to watch me!

I also have to send a special shout out to Mrs. Heimbigner’s 4th grade class in Susanville, CA. They contacted me through my website and I talked to them over Skype. They were absolutely the cutest little kiddies ever and just when I thought they couldn’t get any cuter they sent me this photo. If you notice, they have pink hair (they got permission slips signed from their parents to do so!!).

So to all of you who have sent me your prayers, wishes, and “good lucks,” I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know that when I step into the gate on Feb. 13 I am skiing for so much more than myself. It truly takes a nation to get me there and I will ski with a little piece of each of you in my pocket!!

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