I want to offer my deepest and most-passionate sympathies to Nodar Kumaritashvili and his loved ones, a talented young person who left this wonderful earth before his time. To me, he will always be remembered as the passionate and strong athlete that he proved he was.
I hope those that read my blog use my story to re-ignite their own passions. I think a stunning athlete like Kumaritashvili can show how important passion is in your life. I see this beautiful person and athlete, who is barely a year older than myself, as a flame in an often-dark world. Kumaritashvili lit up the world with his passions, and his death should be seen as a tragedy, but also as a reason to appreciate your own life.
Never take anything for granted. Never ever forget how lucky you are to be alive. Never give up what you want in the world, even if its something as simple as a sticker on a newspaper box. If you believe in something, go out and grab it. Never forget how wonderful life is.
I also want to wish the competitors in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics good luck. I wish happiness, success, and, most importantly, safety for every competitor.
Best of luck to the American team in everything they do.
Painted Philly 