So you won't be an Olympian

Here's the e-mail Kathryn Bertine sent her supporters today:

My Dear Friends and Readers,

While I do not want to give away the ending of the article, I will say this: I am preparing to represent St.Kitts and Nevis at the World Championships in Varese, Italy this September. Tnities. ESPN thought this E-ticket series might make an interesting article or two. Not thirteen...and maybe more. I hawo years ago, when I started this Olympic quest, I never would have guessed my life would see such incredible opportuve not one regret, one inkling of disappointment.

www.espn.com (Just click on E-ticket or put my name in the search engine)

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you who wrote to me, for all of you who cheered me on, and even to those who didn't...you motivated me in equal measure. The kindness and encouragement of strangers was more than I ever imagined. Coming home from a long day of training or a difficult race, it was truly a gift to turn on my computer and have supportive emails pour in from all over the world. Now and then there were some not-so-supportive emails, but the random marriage proposals definitely made up for it! :) Thanks, guys. You're awesome.

In addition to racing, I'll be working on the manuscript of this book for the next six months, which ESPN/Random House will publish in March 2009. At the moment the working title is So You Wanna Be an Olympian? but it will change when we think of something better. Any ideas are welcome. If my editor uses your suggestion, I'll give you more Sport Beans than you could ever digest. :)

Also, a lot of you have written to inquire about St. Kitts and Nevis...

I will be doing The Nevis Independence Day Cycling Road Race on September 6-7. www.neviscycleclub.com There are two events; a 60 mi Road Race and a 20K two person Team Time Trial. If you would like to come down to wonderful Nevis and partake in the race (or just have a super vacation), please let me know. Winston and I are planning to put on a cycling clinic/camp, beginners to experts welcome. This is one of my chances to "give back" and I am so excited to help the SKN cycling federation grow. If you are interested in ordering a SKN Cycling Federation team kit and/or tee shirt, we're getting ready to take orders...all proceeds to benefit the SKNCF. Will keep you posted! Please forward to your favorite cyclists and tropical island enthusiasts.

Have a wonderful summer and thank you again for all your kindness and support. See you in London 2012. ;)

March forth,

Kathryn

KB's 2008 Race Calendar

Fitchburg Longsjo Classic: July 3-6 Fitchburg, MA

Various Arizona races: August Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff

US 100K Classic: September 1 Atlanta, GA

Nevis Independence Day Road Race: September 6-7 Nevis, West Indies

World Cycling Championships: September 24-27 Varese, Italy

Looks like she will not be representing St. Kitts and Nevis in Beijing, but making the team to represent then in the World Championships isn't half bad. Either way, I think her story lasted longer than most people thought it would, which is fantastic.

PS: In Olympic track and Field news, did anyone see Marshevet Hooker fall over the finish line of the Women's 200m finals yesterday? Unbelieveable! Just shows how anything can happen. You can be as prepared as ever but there are so many other uncontrolable factors. At least in Marshevet's case, fate worked in her favor.