Mind full of medals

Inside every athlete’s head is a vast, stacked trophy room.

A place often visited.

Filled with the what was, what ifs, what should have been — unique mementos, opaque with the patina of time.

These medals adorn all athletes equally — regardless of ability, age, or gender.

The only qualifying standard is a pulse and salt on skin.

Here, performances are visceral. Each leaving a token — a thought — to be embellished or desecrated as desired.

A personal film reel, edited with an emotional razor blade, requiring no filter.

Recollections with the power to influence what's yet to come.

Athletes collect medals every day of every year — not just every four years.

Get used to it.