ROBBED- 2013 National Championships

Tonight, I was robbed. I was robbed a definite medal in the snatch, and I was robbed options to medal in the total. Furthermore, my National ranking is now going to drop.

The referees and jury may have stole my 82kg snatch, and officially, my medal may have been given to a lesser competitor tonight.  

In spite of this, I am INVICTUS.  I will come back even stronger.  

Despite my resultantly subpar finish, I can say I'm proud of myself.  Lets recap how I exhibited the qualities of a true competitor and a heart of a champion.

1. After having a bad opener in the snatch, I came back and smoked my second attempt

2. Showing courage, I took a 4kg jump and made a fast and strong 82kg.  Yes, this is the lift the refs turned down. I had a huge pull and caught it a tinge out of position. With my determination and competitive spirit - knowing I needed this to have options to medal- I steadied the lift with my lats with my arms locked out. Note, several of my competitors missed their snatches after I lifted this, and I had a long, long wait between my attempts.

I really think the refs didn't give me the lift because of my exuberant celebration. 

3. I still came out and clean and jerked. I felt remiss, drained, done.  Still, I NEVER QUIT and I NEVER GIVE UP.  

In closing, things will be different. Underestimate me if you want. I don't care. I am adamantine, and like a fine wine, I get better with age. I will be opening with bigger weights that you will have to respect.

Achtung baby.