I had an AMAZING DAY!!!
First I watched my DD do her form, and she did great and got her 3rd place trophy. Then they called the adults....
There were 9 men and 7 women. We were in a staging area and they got us into our groups that we would be competing against. men's groups and women's groups. Well, a few of us were told that since we were the only ones in our age group divisions.... that we already were going to get first place finishes!!!! Sort of took the pressure off!
We did have to do our form and when I was done, I shook each of the judges hand and they each said I had a great form.
BUT THEN all the first place finishers in their groups then had to come back to compete for the grand championship trophies. We were seated around the ring. All the young kids on one side, teens on the next side, black belts on 3rd side and adult colored belts on the final side (that means anything below the black belts). So here I was with the other adults, 7 of us. I had to go up against another lady from our school. I felt pretty hopeful because of what the judges said above when I shook their hand. (we had different judges this time). We did our form then you turn around and the judges point to who won that portion (behind our backs initially), then we turn around and I was told to go sit down where we would continue to advance. OH MY GOSH!!!! I couldn't believe I advanced. Then I started thinking "It's possible....". I am sure I had a very goofy smile on my face. I wish I could bottle the emotion I had at that moment, because it was one of pure ecstatic joy!!!!! So then I am in the final round with 3 other people competing for the grand champion trophy. I got down to business and felt like I did a strong, powerful form. Again we had to turn around for the judges to make their selection. I kept looking into the audience for a sign to figure out who won. Couldn't figure it out. They told us to turn around and then guess what?????
I WON THE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY!!!!
I can hardly believe it! I almost didn't compete because I felt too uncomfortable at my present size... like I would be way out of place there. And I ended up beating out ALL of the other adults. I am still on cloud 9!
If I am standing and my arm is stretched above my head, the trophy is still about 2 inches taller than my hand! It is huge!!!! I am so incredibly proud of my accomplishment. And I hope that I inspire someone else to go for it. It was an amazing experience and I am so glad that I dared to step out and challenge myself. I am so proud.
Good wishes on the way!!
