March 07, 2010 – I have been home now for almost a week but am packing up again and will be traveling to Finland in the morning. Although my trip home was short, it was great to catch up with family and friends, especially because I had not been home since November. It’s also been great to be home to have some time to myself after a very disappointing Olympics.

I went into the Games with very high expectations but I was unable to perform at my best. Some factors at the Olympics were out of my control; some factors were in my control. Either way, I came home empty handed and very disappointed. I won’t make any excuses for my performances at the Games. I had world-class support and I had some good opportunities to make it to the podium, but for one reason or another it did not happen. Although these results were very disappointing to me, I know that I did everything possible leading into the Olympics. It’s not like I am looking back now, wishing that I had worked harder. I know that I gave my all, and in the end that’s all that I can ask for.

Of course my coaches and I will go through a very detailed evaluation of the Olympics in an attempt to figure out why things went the way they did. Now it’s time for me to move onto to my next races and learn from my mistakes at the Games. I am extremely motivated about the future and I will surely use my disappointment from Vancouver as fuel over the next four years.

Unfortunately, I got a bad sinus infection immediately upon arriving home. Because of this, I have been unable to train at all this week. I am starting to feel a little better now, but I am not in the shape that I wanted to be in heading into the last three world cups. Tomorrow I take off for Finland and then to Norway and finally to Russia for the last world cup of the season.

I also wanted to say thanks to everyone for all of the support over the last few weeks. This has not been an easy time for me but it has been much easier with the support from the best family, friends and fans. Thank you!