Dare to Dream: British & Proud by Sarah Clark

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say a few words, following my Olympic Games Competition yesterday. 

I would like to thank everyone for supporting me in my build up to London 2012 and for all the positive words of encouragement and kindness. It has been a fantastic journey and I could not have got here without all the backing from everyone.

As an athlete, I believe I have always done everything possible in all parts of my life to be the best I can be. Yesterday, it was not good enough. 

Judo has given me the most wonderful life. I get to travel the world and meet great people wherever I go. It has taught me about respect, responsibility, humility and hard work. It has given me opportunities that I could have only dreamed of as a child. 

I am not Olympic Champion. It is something I dreamed of being, but I realise that a medal does not make a person. How you conduct yourself and how you treat others, makes a person. How you live your life makes you who you are and I owe what I am and who I've become to my family, friends and to judo. I hope I can pass on to others everything, and more, that I have learned on my journey, from when I began judo as a nine year old, to stepping out in front of a home crowd at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This was only possible because of the support of a huge number of people and for that I am thankful. 

The Olympic Games here are fantastic. The atmosphere is immense and the whole of GB are getting behind all of he athletes. The sound inside the arena's are like nothing I've heard before for British athletes. The volunteer support, in the venues and in and around the village, as well as the security and safety provided by the army and police is fantastic. This really is an Olympic Games for everyone. 

So now I am here supporting the rest of the Judo Team in their quest for success. Following that, we will be able to stay in the Olympic Village and support other Team GB Players in other sports and get a real feel for the atmosphere in and around the Olympic Games. I am planning on doing a little training, but just to keep me ticking over. To just 'stop' would be a shock to my body and probably my mind too. I am planning on eating a little more. And I am planning on trying to relax. I am not good at this. I am so so tired at the moment. I need time to sleep. I will take time to reflect and only then will I be in a position to think about my future. There will be so many opportunities and possibilities and I am looking forward to them already. 

But for now. I am watching judo. 

Sarah :-)
Thanks

Twitter: @sarahclark_judo

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