E U R O P E A N S re-cap

We slept in yesterday as the first Saturday in the last six week without a track meet to go to.
Track season is over.

For Justin, his track career is complete. That is, unless he decides to go out for the track team next year at college. We'll wait and see what happens!

For Ty, it's one more year to compete and enjoy. European Championships were last Friday and Saturday.

We are proud of both boys.

They both walked away a bit disappointed. As a mom, I've thought a lot about the pressures and competitive spirit these strong kids possess.

In order to even make it to the post-season, the athletes have to attain a set time {or distance in their throws} in each event at any meet in the season in order to even be able to compete at the Championships.

It's only the elite of the athletes in Europe that made it to last weekend's meet. All other athletes had already turned in their uniforms.

Qualifying for Europeans in both hurdles events after not even practicing {shin splints} for three weeks was a major accomplishment in itself for Ty.
Last year, he didn't even qualify.

He did great in both events, but not fast enough to make it to the finals on day two.

His head hung low when he should have held it high. We haven't seen the end of him yet- he has another season to compete.

I'm learning as a mom at these low times for my boys to just hug them and let them work though it without talking too much or asking any questions.

Caden was equally disappointed and just went to sit near Justin as he finished. Normally, full of questions and rather chatty, Caden didn't say a word to him- they both just sat quietly. It was very sweet.

They have a special bond and even with Caden being so young- they just understand each other.

For Justin, day one was shot put. Last year, he didn't even make it to the second round.

This year, he took third place and a bronze metal which he was proud of. It's not his event, yet he's still worked to improved this last year.

Day two, he ended up with good throws {not a personal best} in disc landing him in second place with a silver metal on the podium. He was expected to win and still has the farthest throw in Europe this season.

The boy who took the gold threw six feet further than he had all season- something I know Justin {and others} are still trying to figure out. That's a huge improvement to make overnight.

Regardless, they did well. Not as well as they wanted to do, but they made us proud as they carried themselves with style and class.

Taking silver was especially difficult for Justin as he received his metal, then promptly took it off.

It made me sad he couldn't accept how much he's accomplished being happy with second place, but at the same time know in his heart he knows he fell short of his goal.

He is such a competitive kid- always has been and likely always will be. It's a large part of who he is and we're confident it will take him far. 

High school is quickly coming to an end for Justin. We're down to four days and a crazy busy week ahead.

It should be amazing.