Kozzie's Korner: Post-Soelden perspective

Kozzie’s Korner: Post-Soelden perspectiveIt is amazing how all the things that happen in our life affect us and make us who we are. I know that sounds awfully deep, but let me explain.

We had a great race in Soelden, Austria, at the end of October. It was a difficult race and there is no question that toughness showed through that day. I finished 17th. My coaches were satisfied that I had taken something away from such a difficult day. I, on the other hand, was utterly disgusted that I had fallen so short of my expectations.

The race was on a Saturday and I spent that night and all day Sunday moping around, feeling sick and disappointed. I wasted an entire day and a half like this. For you parents out there, I am sure you have witnessed this in your children on many different occasions. You know – just walking around like there is nothing more important in life. I finally regrouped and trained for the following days before returning home to the United States.

Upon my return to Washington, D.C., I had numerous voicemail messages, one specifically from my physical therapy office asking me to call them as soon as possible. You see, a couple of years ago I dislocated my right hip while training giant slalom. When recovering became difficult and my options for a full recovery started to diminish, I was led to the door of an amazing man. With his new massage techniques, he helped me to a full recovery with my hip and the rest of my body. I have been going to his clinic ever since and they have become like family. I was surprised by the call, but thought nothing out of the ordinary. When I called back, I was told that Dr. Cliff Griggs had passed away only two days earlier.

I wasn’t sure how to react. It was a new emotion for me. I have spent the past weekend trying to understand what happened, when I finally realized that there would never be an answer. The only answer that I could hear was that by giving it your best, by following your dreams, you are living a wonderful life; when you think you are alone and at the bottom of your barrel you are never alone – there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I am so thankful that Dr. Griggs was a part of my life, if even for a short while. Not only did he heal me; with his departure he has taught me to put things in perspective, to stop moping and live life, no matter what dream you’re chasing.

I will continue chasing my dream to Colorado this month, and who knows, maybe I will see some of you there.

In loving memory of Dr. Cliff Griggs 1958-2005.

Kristina Koznick, who has won six World Cup races, will keep her journal here all year. To read more athlete journals, or to hear industry insiders in their own words, click here. Contact Kristina Koznick at TeamKoznick@aol.com.