Dear Olympic/Paralympic Hopeful Family and Friends:

The following information was put together by the Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Department. Having competed in four and being a spectator at four (3 winter, 1 summer), I know from experience this is a very worthwhile four pages of information. When this is followed, you will best help your favorite Olympian/Paralympian in their quest.

At my first Olympics, I only had three family members (mom and two sisters) attend. At the second Games, there were 25 family and friends, i.e. The Blair Bunch. Then in , there were 45 supporters and finally, in there were 60. I can’t forget my last World Championship in where a total of 300, yes, three hundred family and friends in attendance. In all this, I never lifted a finger to help. I told them I would love for them to be there, but you are “on your own” and I wanted nothing to do with it!! This was conveyed early in my career and it never became an issue. I was there for business and glad to have their support, but I didn’t need to worry about them, I have enough to think about.

Another thing to keep in mind: There have been athletes that you thought were “a sure bet” to make the team and didn’t for one reason or another. Please keep in mind the athlete has enough pressure of trying to make the team (sure bet or not). In my opinion it would be wise, if you are planning on making arrangements or already have made arrangements, to keep the specifics to yourself. Make the necessary arrangements and leave the athlete out of the loop. With the internet available today, the information is out there if you just look for it. Yes, it is going to be expensive - rooms, tickets, transportation, etc. With some of the athletes having visited London already you might think it seems convenient to ask for their help, however, they have plenty going on in there life at this point and time. Then once you do find out how much things cost, the athlete doesn’t need to hear about it, even if you have no problem affording everything i.e. more pressure.

There are also some athletes who love their family very much but would rather tackle the Olympics/Paralympics on their own. I remember discussing this very subject with someone and I said, “Why don’t you just ask your parents to stay home?” Six years later that athlete said to me they wish they had taken my advice. Some athletes perform better when they are the only one they have to think about. Remember the majority of the events your athlete will take part in are on their own. The Olympic/Paralympic Games have many obstacles that are very different than any other event they will ever be in and this just adds another element.

Please understand this can be a touchy subject for any athlete and I felt it was better coming from someone who has been there and been through it all. Your Olympic/Paralympic hopeful may not feel comfortable discussing this as they might think it will hurt your feelings, so I felt it was better to come from me. I hope I am not too late.

If you know any other family member or friends thinking of making plans, please copy this and give it to those individuals.

Thank-you for your time, enjoy this season and good luck to everyone.

Sincerely, Bonnie Blair Cruikshank Olympic Gold Medalist, Speedskating