A season ends… HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE!

Toyin & Tixo

Toyin, Kobe, Selim, James

The 2008 Beijing Olympics have now come to a close and I am back in Long Beach, enjoying the comforts of home. I have been away since June in pursuit of the Olympic Dream and as I lie in bed, awake at 3am (fighting jet-lag) I have to say… God is Good. Others have also returned to their respective countries and residences, and we can all say we lived a time to remember.

I spent years training for this dream, and a long season in pursuit of the opportunity, trying to prove myself each time I stepped on the track. Stress, anticipation, and sabatogers on my shoulders, I managed to pull out a victory at the Nigerian Olympic Trials that would earn me a spot on the the team. The struggle did not end there, but soon enough I would step into the Olympic village knowing that I was about to embark upon something great. Amongst the best of the best in all the world, I was about to compete as an Olympian.

Massive Turtle & Mom

I thank God for the journey as He strengthened me with every setback, stumble, detour and fall. It made me appreciate the success that much more. I grew in my faith and felt God’s grace on my life all along the path. I was encourged so I could encourage others… blessed so that I could be a blessing. I thank God for my family, friends, and strangers acting as angels to lift me up in prayer… supporting my dream and helping to fulfill God’s purpose in my life.

To be completely honest, my performance was far from what I hoped and prayed for. My disappointment and frustration was painfully real. I was angry and struggled to fight off feelings of resentment. My public tears were dis-heartening, but my private sobs were just between me and God. There was no medal… no victory stand… no Olympic final… no personal best… no seasonal best… I was defeated. It took some days and lots of love and encouragement (thank you all!) to remember how far I had comeand what I had accomplished. No matter the outcome, I am and forever will be an Olympian.

The result was not what I wanted, but perhaps it was even better. If even one person was encouraged to push a little harder, stick it out a little longer, hold on a little tigher then I have served a great purpose in this life. And I thank God that I live to tell a tale of perseverence and faith through action. This is not the end… God’s plan is much greater than anything I could dream up.

Toyin & the rings

I prayed to be an Olympian… it was answered.

Now I pray to be an Olympic gold medalist and I have four years to reach that goal. I dont expect it to be easy or fair, but I know that He (God) who has started a great work in me will see it to perfection.

AMEN

BIG THANKS to:

My Mommy… a living, loving example. Words cant express… you’re my hero.

My Family… every Augustus and Adeoye around the world… with love, honor, and pride.

My dear friends… I love you like family. You know the intricate and incredible role you’ve played daily.

My coaches, mentors, “team Toyin”… a wealth of knowledge, experience, and success if ours. Cheers!

My fellow Huntsvillians… here’s to the beginnings of a dream fulfilled and future dreams. Thanks a million!

My supporters all around… I feel your love from wherever I am. Friends, acquaintences, and strangers alike, you are my angels.

LONDON 2012… Here we come!

more pictures here… http://www.slide.com/r/CM1ISoBsvj_0esz0d4SI8Pk3GB6M0F69?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

http://www.slide.com/r/NgFgCoZS5T-cc1tyx5ySmejYy2sMUCAL?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

http://www.slide.com/r/NAxM1t4O0D8FOc_cMvxlbYdk5StyG3Lj?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

http://www.slide.com/r/vAoAxmeE4z9g9SAumymIoerUqa38ad-M?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

 

Tixo and ToyinMom, Toyin, Tixo