On The Horizon

I’ve gotten several emails and queries about what Joel’s move to GB means for our relationship. After having a long and good discussion with him, we decided that the best thing is for us to stop working together as coach and athlete and to make a plan for finding a new coach. Neither of us wanted our relationship to interfere with Joel’s transition to a new job in a new country, which will be daunting enough on it’s own. Joel and I were both concerned and came to the conclusion that the best thing was to make a decision now, rather than being forced to make a decision under more stressful circumstances in the future.

More than anything, I feel incredibly lucky for the four extraordinary years we had together. I would most certainly not be where I am today without Joel’s guidance and friendship. This decision is likely the hardest I’ve ever had to make, but I know Joel will continue to be there for me as a friend and confidant as I make the transition. He has encouraged me to look at this as an opportunity to learn from someone new, while continuing to rely on those things that we have seen to be effective and productive for me in the past.

I do not yet know who this new coach will be, but Joel and I have discussed some options. As soon as something is confirmed, I will make everyone aware. Thank you to everyone for the concerned emails and messages. It’s truly a wonderful feeling to sense that people, many of whom I’m never actually met face-to-face, care about my situation.

Lastly, I want to say that I couldn’t be happier for Joel, who is going to have an incredible opportunity as the head coach of the host country for the next Olympics. While I am sad that it means our professional relationship will change, our most important relationship – our friendship – obviously will not.