No Stoppin' Now | USA's 2008 Paralympic Silver Medalist

Well, it’s a new year and it marks the beginning of training for the next games in 2012. Some of my friends have already started training, but not me. I’ve been enjoying my family and friends here in North Carolina. I’m eager to start though and get back in to the mix.

As you know, this day has been one that no one will ever forget. It has definitely been a historical day in American history and we all had the opportunity to witness President Barack Obama and his family get ready to take their home in the White House. Wow, can you believe it?

But can you believe this? We had snow in North Carolina for the first time in a few years. I think the last time we had snow, I was still attending East Carolina University. My roommates and I had plenty of fun. I can remember one time when my roommate Josh ran outside screaming and yelling about how it was snowing outside. My other roommate, Annmarie, ran out behind him excited to see what it looked like out there. Little did she know, Josh had run back inside and locked the door preventing her from getting back inside. It wasn’t snowing outside, but it was freezing cold, and she had her pajamas on. Talk about laughing. I was in our living room dying on the floor.

On this day, though, my mom was inside watching the Inaugural speech and events. Where was I? Outside enjoying the snow. One of my friends had texted me asking why I wasn’t watching the festivities on television. I told her I would meet President Obama in 2012 after we return from the Paralympic Games and take our White House visit. It was too nice in our neighborhood. There was snow everywhere. Cars drove by slowly and people walked around laughing and playing. You could hear the screams of children in their backyards playing and having fun.

But most importantly, I think the Olympic Committee will be very proud to know that I have a new friend and potential athlete for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. His name is Meltin. I’m not sure what event he wants to try out, but look, he already has much confidence in making the team. He even has the USA hat and jacket. He’s “rockin’” it if I have to say so myself. I’ll have to call up my people and see who he needs to contact so we can get him on the slopes somewhere. I bet he’ll be a great Nordic skier or something, or maybe a speedster on the snowboard. Who knows? Just make sure you keep an eye out for Meltin in the 2010 Winter Games.