We just got this in from Mary.

The last two weeks have been filled with a complete spectrum of emotions. Riding the Olympic nomination roller-coaster has certainly been tough; but, I have remained focused on my training and racing, while at the same time living in our mobile home-away-from-home — all of which has left me little ability or time to communicate with everyone to whom I wish to reply. For this last part, I apologize.

I’d like to begin by expressing my delight and gratitude for the opportunity to represent the United States in the women’s cross-country mountain bike race at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. Words fail to describe what an amazing honor this is for me.

The circumstances of my selection to the Olympics have been widely publicized, so I’ll be brief in addressing this. What I wish most to say about it is how sorry I am that Sue Haywood has had to bear the brunt of USA Cycling’s errors. She is a true champion, and it was with no malice that I pursued the right to have USA Cycling’s decision evaluated in an impartial review process. The main issue at hand was whether USA Cycling must communicate to all riders it’s plans to adjust the standard for making the Olympic team at a point in time when those riders still have a chance to change strategy–not when it is too late to do anything about it. I sought this with the desire that USA Cycling be held accountable to set clear expectations and stick by them, and that they be forced to look long and hard at their procedures in such a way that all competitive cyclists would ultimately benefit in the future. I wanted to help ensure that no one would ever again have to endure the confusion, exhaustion, and incredible disappointment that the Olympic selection process had become.

In the words of the arbitrator’s decision, “… all athletes will benefit if this decision leads to USA Cycling and other national governing bodies issuing clearer, more transparent procedures that allow athletes to compete on a level and open playing field.� This was precisely my hope in pursuing the review.

I am focused on Athens now and have dedicated myself to preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My success in the World Cup this year has helped fuel my confidence in the strength of body and mind and my ability to earn an Olympic medal for the United States. I welcome and embrace this challenge and unique privilege.

Sincerely,
Mary McConneloug
Team Seven Cycles

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2004 at 8:34 am and is filed under Journal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.