Bedford 'closes the ST chapter of his career'

[bubblebuttsbabe]

I felt this deserved its own thread. ;D

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Source: Ryan's site - www.ryanbedford.com/RYAN_BEDFORD/SPECIAL.html

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September 12th, 2009

All,

There's only one word to describe the feeling right now; disappointment. I've dreamed of going to the Olympic Games since I was a little boy. I've worked many long years trying to chase this childhood dream. And tonight I let it slip away. I feel like I have let down my family and friends, my sponsors, and my parents. But most of all, I let myself down.

So, I just wanted to say thanks to all my family and friends that have supported me over the years. Everyone back at the Midland Speed Skating Club. Thanks to my coaches Derek Parra and Laurent Daignault for coaching me, and making me stronger than I've ever been before. I want thank my sponsors, Nike and Dow Corning. And I want to thank my parents for sticking with me through the ups and downs. And finally, I want to thank God for blessing me with the talent and heart to compete at the level that I have.

As I close the chapter of short track in my life, I will begin my new path towards Vancouver. I will be gearing up for long track trials in October. I am thankful for everyones continued support in the coming months. I promise, I won't let you down this time.

I'll keep you posted!

Thank you!
Ryan Bedford

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I'm saddened he won't be on the short track anymore, but I know he's going to kick a$$ on the long track. GO BEDFORD! I'll be rooting for you in Vancouver! ;D

I'm not disappointed at his performance. He had heart out there - the only problem was so did everyone else. :/

[aaosmts19]

I am just reading this ... what a heartfelt, class act to post something like this.

I don't know why, but Ryan always 'clicked' for me. Pretty spectacular to be training for both sports simultaneously.

This stuff is heartbreaking......

[susie]

Well, after Ryan's performance in Marquette, this news is not a shock to me. I wish Ryan all the best. I hope that he makes the long-track team.