#HighFivesAthlete Andrew Kurka Sponsor Update –> “I did it! Thank you”

In Kurka’s words

Thank you, for all the help on this journey.

Success, once achieved, nothing shines brighter than the journey. The goal was to get gold, the goal was to win. The journey was filled with, doubt, broken bones, tribulation. The memories of pain, the thoughts that say. Is it worth it?

The truth is, I wouldn’t have it any other way. That pain, the journey to success. Was mine, it was unique, It was special. When the journey of an athlete comes to fruition. When it comes down to one moment, that can determine the rest of your life. Did you do everything you could to achieve success on this journey? Did you work harder than all your competition? Would all the pain be worth it in the end?

For me, it was. Achieving my goal, my dream. The trip that I took through this life, to be the best, for just a moment. A moment that came down to seconds, it came down to the gold. To being the best, to accomplishing a dream. But most importantly it came down to one moment that made all the other moments worth it. That made the doubts, the thoughts, the moments of tribulation and all the pain. Worth it. It was a journey that came down to just a few seconds. Where the tears of all the past pains were released by emotions of joy. Not because of a gold medal, but because the journey, was entirely worth it. The gold medal that sits in my pocket, is worth a few dollars on the street. But in my heart its worth more than a journey of a lifetime. Those that have failed, those that I faced with my success.

Those that i beat on this way, its worth all of their work, all of their emotions. It’s worth a moment that came down to a memory of a young boy, that decided he could. A young boy that realized there was always going to be someone better, but for a moment maybe he could be the best. A young boys dream, a dream that grew from a young wrestler sitting on the edge of a wrestling mat, that said. How can i be the best? The only answer that young boy came up with, was be an Olympian. Be the best in the world. A dream millions think of, millions pursue, but so few achieve. Isn’t that the beauty of the journey, it wasn’t for a gold trinket. It wasn’t for the girls or the attention of the photos. It was all for the journey, the journey to look back on life and say, “I had a dream, and i did it” I didn’t quit. I didn’t stop, I worked harder, I worked longer. I endured, I persevered. I inspired and I did it. All from a little boy who believed.

I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone that helped me on this journey, a journey filled with smiles, tears, pain and most importantly achievement. Achievement of a dream. To be the best, even if it was just for a moment. The journey and good friends I made on the way, made it all worth it. I’m going to go for more medals and keep pursuing my other lifelong dreams. Please I encourage you, don’t give up, you can to, in your own way. Make your own journey, and get the gold for your dreams.

I can’t express in words how thankful I am for the support and help on this long journey. But I can say thank you. It’s been a long journey, dreams have come true and ill be starting on the next step of this lifes journey with the B&B to introduce adaptive/disabled individuals to the outdoor world of Alaska. Im hoping to have it finished this summer while still pursuing more golds in the next games of Beijing! and hopefully cycling in Tokyo.