In early September, the U.S. Paralympics flew Dartanyon and Leroy to Colorado Springs training headquarters.
The Colorado trip was incredible! It was beyond explanation. The day that I was scheduled to fly out, I was extremely excited and eager to go. The flight there was amazing. It was my first time flying. I was more excited than nervous while on the plane. The view from the plane was astonishing. While we were flying I took a few pictures with my phone.
When we got to Colorado I was almost at a loss for words. I really couldn’t believe where I was and how beautiful mountains are in person. The air smelled so good. I wasn’t even sure I woke up that day, but if it was a dream I didn’t want anyone to wake me up.
I can’t even explain how awesome the Olympic Training facility was. It was like a heaven for athletes. Leroy and I met so many amazing athletes. Then they told us we were going to practice with the Olympic judo team. At that moment, I was…….. I don’t even know what I was…I just didn’t know what to do with myself. I have never experienced such elation. Judo is awesome. It was my first time, but it’s so similar to wrestling. A lot of the moves are basically the same, so I caught on quickly.
The day I spent in Colorado Springs is the best day in my life so far. I never wanted to leave. After practicing with the Olympic judo team I decided I wanted to be a part of it. There is a chance I may get to start learning judo here in Cleveland with the goal of training for the Paralympics Judo Team. I hope I can do it.
School is going great as well. My classes are good so far, and my instructors are cool. I love school for the most part.
Read more about Dartanyon & Leroy’s trip
View photos from Dartanyon & Leroy’s trip to Olympic Training Headquarters
Dartanyon,
Isn’t flying amazing? I still remember my first flight as if it was yesterday…and that yesterday was many moons ago. Loved the part where if the whole experience was simply a dream, you wanted no part of being awoken! Beautiful mountain scenery, fresh air and an Olympic training facility to boot. The pictures were wonderful; so kind of you to share both your thoughts and pictures. As Karl and I looked through the pictures, we saw an interesting trend. Although you obviously were enjoying yourself, you appeared quite serious in most pictures. However, the slightest hint of a smile became apparent in one photo with a woman wrestler and then the broadest of grins when you and Leroy posed with the women’s wrestling team! We loved it and got big smiles ourselves. How exciting it would be to watch you compete with the paraolympic judo team! Sometime tell us more what it was like to practice with them. Keeping both of you in our prayers. Hope college continues to go well. Karl and I so enjoy keeping up with you so know we look forward to your next installment!