ITU Rio – Test Event for the Olympics

The event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was just amazing! It was invitational, but you still had to qualify. I was honored to be part of it, and I learned in the week prior that I was in. Because of my World Ranking (I’m 11th), I was right “on the fence” between making the StartList or not. I was first on the WaitList, but you just never know. Most people were going to show up to see and get a feel for the Course where the Olympics will be. I would be so frustrated if I didn’t go, because it’s my Country, I wanna race there!

It was a tough race, as expected, and I came in 6th place in the PT2 Category. Some of the top guys were there, and I learn from them every time, always a humbling experience. We raced the very same course where #Rio2016, in Copacabana, is going to take place. The idea was to see if there’s any flaws, so they can work on it until 2016.

The vibe down there was insane! It was so great having friends; and my parents (that flew in to Rio to be with me), and just about everyone on the streets going nuts when they read “Brasil” on my race suit! It’s a very passionate crowd, and it feels really amazing to be on their side!! Really hoping to make it into #Rio2016! If the test event was already mind blowing, I can only imagine what an epiphany the Paralympics will be. Thank you TeamPossAbilities, Quest Diagnostics for bringing me here. Thank you also to Coach Jack Bianchi and all my supporters that are helping on this journey.

Love and blessings to all!