My wife, a U.S. National Speedskating Champion!
Very few of us ever get to be a champion at anything. So if you can’t be a champion, the next best thing is to be married to one! I am so very happy to tell you all that, today, my wife Silvia became a National U.S. Long Track Speedskating champion. She has worked so hard over the past three years to reach this point.
I will admit that I never imagined Silvia would take her speedskating this far. It seemed to begin as a curiosity or at least a way to get some great exercise. She has always had a love of figure skating, and has gone skating with the kids for many years now. Her love of figure skating eventually turned into a fascination with speed skating. With the guidance and support of her coach (also named Jeff), the support of her family, her strong will and amazing work ethic, Silvia has reached tremendous heights. To be a National U.S. Speedskating Champion puts you into an elite group of very wonderful and skilled people. I’m so very proud of Silvia and happy to share her accomplishment with all of you.
But wait, there’s more! Other members of my family have caught the speedskating bug. All three of my kids have been speedskating alongside Silvia. Over this past weekend my daughter, Antonia, was in five races. She placed fourth in four of her races and third in her final race. She often places first or second in the normal meets throughout the season, but competition is much tougher at the National level. For her to place fourth overall at the National level is nothing short of amazing. Especially since a few of the girls she was racing against were a full year or more older than she. Antonia’s coaches think she could really do some amazing things. I agree! And I’m very proud of her.
And to add even more good news to the mix, both Silvia and Antonia did personal best times in ALL of their races.
Today, I am a very proud husband and father.
And for those of you who are wondering if I also speedskate, I am happy to tell you that I do not. I can barely stand on the ice with skates on. Despite being a Libra, balance is not one of my strong points.
Check out Silvia’s blog when you get the chance. She’s also a very talented writer and does commentating for a local TV station.
Tags: figure skating, ice skating, national champion, sport, U.S. Speedskating
