Congrats Kara!
I needed to tell everyone about my dear friend Kara who competed in the Olympics on Tuesday! She is an amazing friend and an incredible athlete. Of course she is a great javelin thrower since she is the American record holder and two time Olympian.
I have heard from so many people I can't believe you are doing an Ironman after knee surgery. Well Kara tops my story. She has trained for the London Olympics since Beijing Olympics ended. Her job is to train everyday to be the best javelin thrower so she had a chance to medal at the Olympics. She was doing great recently and had overcome back injuries. At the Olympic Trials in June, she qualified for finals. During her throws that day, she hurt her knee. She skipped the last two throws but still took her victory lap around the track despite some knee pain. Well turns out, Kara tore her ACL during her throw. After working four years for London, Kara had injured herself qualifying.
What is even more impressive is that Kara continued to train. Despite pain, she pushed through knowing what London meant to her. Sadly, Kara did not make finals in London, but she did throw further than she did in Beijing. Had she not been injured, she would have made finals and who knows after that.
What I admire the most about Kara is her positivity! She knew that her torn ACL would limit her throwing ability but she remained positive. She knew it would hurt every throw, but she took all three. She was unable to participate in opening ceremonies because of all the standing, but she didn't complain about it. Her positive attitude is something I have strived to have. Thanks for giving it your all Kara! You are amazing!
Watch her throw here (yes you can see her pain but she kept throwing).
Some articles can be found here as well:
Indy Star
The Columbian
Kara throwing in London |
What is even more impressive is that Kara continued to train. Despite pain, she pushed through knowing what London meant to her. Sadly, Kara did not make finals in London, but she did throw further than she did in Beijing. Had she not been injured, she would have made finals and who knows after that.
What I admire the most about Kara is her positivity! She knew that her torn ACL would limit her throwing ability but she remained positive. She knew it would hurt every throw, but she took all three. She was unable to participate in opening ceremonies because of all the standing, but she didn't complain about it. Her positive attitude is something I have strived to have. Thanks for giving it your all Kara! You are amazing!
Kara is always smiling! |
Watch her throw here (yes you can see her pain but she kept throwing).
Some articles can be found here as well:
Indy Star
The Columbian