I knew that I might actually have a shot at doing something great at the Olympics. I knew that I could either take the time to gush about how wonderful I feel or use it to be a little productive. |
I really hoped, regardless of my outcome, that I'd be able to inspire other people to contribute. What little bit I could do is a small drop in the bucket as compared to what many people can do. So that was an important part for me, and that's what I hoped would happen. |
I skate in circles. I have to keep that in perspective. I love what I do. I love to race and to travel and to compete, but let's face it, I wear tights and I make left turns. |
I started to get goose bumps and a little misty-eyed. I guess it's starting to sink in that this is it. This is my last race. |
I still can't believe it, looking back. It's been quite a ride. I have a lot of people to thank for helping me chase this crazy idea. |
I think it was a great two races, probably the best two races I've ever skated. You always want to have those days at the Olympic Games, and I did. |
I think, first, it's important not to bite the hand that feeds you. |
I thought maybe I could walk a little in his rather large shoes. |
I wanted to make it meaningful. It's empowering to think of someone else. |
I'm going to be donating the total sum that the USOC is giving me for winning a gold medal, which I believe is about $25,000. |
I'm just trying to keep a low profile. |
I'm kind of stunned that I skated that fast. Obviously, I wanted to get some medals here, but I had no idea it would come together like it did. |
I'm much more proud of that work than winning a gold medal in the Olympics. |
I'm proud of where I came from. There are so many people from North Carolina who have wished me well. It means a lot that so many people who have had so much influence on my life are watching now. |
If it draws more people into the sport and gets them interested, it's a good thing for us. I just hope we can capitalize on this, to get more young people in. |