Grievance update

So, while I didn't get anything from the USOC Management and Governance Committee (MGC) on my original grievance, I did get a response from my "Time Sensitive" grievance that I sent out the other day.

In fact, they got back to me within 24 hours, twice! Sent the grievance out Thursday afternoon. Got an email at 7:30am Friday, and a phone call with a quorum of the MGC on speakerphone at 3:30pm Fri. Phew! They wanted to make sure I knew they were working on it, and would have a decision out by the end of this week, so by the 2nd of February. Not sure if that's because they really care, or because I spoke with the office of Ted Stevens (sponsor of the Ted Stevens Act, which is what gives the USOC their power and also protects the amateur athletes' right to compete), and copied his Chief of Staff on my grievance email. Grin. I'm not pulling any punches - I'm dead serious about this stuff. Either way, I'm glad they are making it a priority and hope they back me up in their decision. If they don't, well, we'll take it from there. CROSS YOUR FINGERS!!!

Anyway, since the regional qualifier is next weekend (the 9-11), a decision by the 2nd is necessary so that we can either plan to race in the qualifier, or plan to take it easier to recover from our injuries.

Yes, injuries. We can't seem to avoid them! Right as my cracked/separated/dislocated rib(s) are healing (still sore after sliding, but not crippling anymore), I tweak my knee. Hyperextend it pushing at the start 2 weeks ago, then, thinking it's ok, feel a horrendous pop at the gym Saturday during a slow-jog warmup. I was having starts in the 5.30s (5.33 is my personal best, sweet!), now am back in the 5.70s. That's giving up 4 tenths at the start!!!! Which equals 8 tenths to a second at the finish!!! Huge. Ouch.

Brad is also having issues with his quad and hamstring, from an injury he sustained this summer during push track. He keeps thinking it's better, then it flares up at the most inopportune times. Like now. Just before Regionals. He's been pushing in the 4.90s, and is now in the 5.30s and 5.40s. Also giving up 4-5 tenths at the start. The injuries make racing something we dread! We're both going to a sports doc tomorrow, but know we can't take his likely prescription: don't slide, recover.

Oh, and a beginner had a big hit out of turn 6 yesterday, came off her sled for a moment, and got her thumb caught under her sled runner. Took a chunk out of her knuckle and possibly caused tendon damage, so she's gone home for a few days to have surgery. Freak accident! Keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times, no?

Otherwise, sliding is going well, and the other "beginners" (who are at the spot we were at last season) are doing great. Minor bumps and bruises, but nothing worse. It's fun to watch them learn and progress, listen to their excitement and enthusiasm, and remember how it felt to be them.

Ok, that's all for today. Just thought I'd give an update of the USOC MGC responses thus far. Cheers!