Dear Ms. Kloser,
We do not know one another. We've never met, even in passing, which makes sense given that you're a world class freestyle skier, and I routinely slip on the ice in the parking lot of my condo. I saw footage of your run at Sochi during NBC's coverage last night and was saddened to read of your injury this morning.
I noticed in the news report I was looking over that you asked your father if you were still an Olympian despite crashing and tearing your ACL in what was merely a practice run. While I wouldn't presume to be able to answer your question more meaningfully than your dad, this short note is an attempt to answer on behalf of all of us watching at home in the States.
Damn right, you're an Olympian.
The Oxford English Dictionary's second definition of "Olympian" is "a competitor in the Olympic Games." I can't help feeling that's not quite complete.
For all of us who have skated laps around a tile kitchen floor in our socks, you are our definition of an Olympian.
For all of us who have imagined a rickety plastic toboggan as a red, white and blue bobsled and careened down a backyard hill dreaming of glory, you are our definition of an Olympian.
For all of us who have jumped for joy during a cul-de-sac street hockey game and shouted out, "Do you believe in miracles?!", you are our definition of an Olympian.
I know it's no gold medal, but if my wife and I ever have a daughter, I'd like you to know I'll be beyond proud to tell her that young women like Heidi Kloser represent her around the globe in the name of sport and international friendship. Best of luck in your recovery, and I hope to see you in PyeongChang in 2018.
With Respect,
Will Henline
Alexandria, VA
P.S. - The other definition Oxford lists for an Olympian is, "a person of great attainments or exalted position." I think you made it.
