Remembering Beijing

Well after quite a whirlwind Paralympics in Beijing, I'm back home safe and sound in Florida.
It was an incredible time. China put on a Paralympics that many said was the best ever. And I agree.
All in all I had a fantastic time. The Stadiums were gigantic and filled with fans at every competition.
Transportation, Housing, and Meals were more than I could have hoped. (i'll post all my photos to my website www.paulschulte.com in a few days)

I lived what Michael Phelps described as doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and swimming (basketball for me).Unfortunately, I didn't come home with 8 golds : ) In fact, I didn't come home with Bronze or Silver either.

After making our way to the "final four" teams, we were pitted against our arch-rivals the Canadians in the Semi-final.This was the game many had predicted would be the match up for Gold. But the matchup turned out to be earlier than we hoped.The two winning semi-finalist teams would advance to the Gold Medal game.
While the two losing teams would make up the Bronze Medal game.The game against the Canadians that night started at 9:30p.m. and didn't finish until after midnight. A double overtime thriller with thousands of fans staying through the night for the finish.I was very pleased with my effort and performance, starting off the game with 3 three-point shots that helped get us off to a great start. It was my assignment as one of the captains to be a leader on the floor and guard the Canada's best scorer. Unfortunately two foul calls in the second half had me watching the overtimes from the bench. : (
During the overtimes, our team had foul shots and opportunities to clinch the victory. But as in all high-pressure basketball competitions, closing the door in the clutch is much easier said than done. Canada was the victor, moving on to the Gold Medal game. But it could be said that the game took a toll on both teams, as neither of us would win our following medal games.

The Canadians were met by a very physical Australian team (whom we had defeated in pool play) that was ready for battle. The Australians prevailed and took the Gold. We were met with a Great Britain team that brought a dangerous combination (plenty of talent....and nothing to lose). We played well against Great Britain and even applied a full-court press for most of the game. Great Britain's top 3 players, I felt, each needed to have a great performance in order to win the Bronze. And did they ever.

After being so close to entering a Gold Medal game that we had the confidence to win, to finishing 4th and going home with no medal at all was painful to say the least. Prior to this Paralympics, I have never competed in an international competition that I did not medal in. If I had been the 18 year old rookie that I was when I made my first USA team, I wouldn't have known how to deal with this. But I'm the 29 year old veteran captain playing for his 5th US National team, who was selected to help lead a young team on and off the court. This was a true opportunity to leave an impression for good of our nation, and to experience China. I went to represent my Country, my family, my co-workers and friends. To give and gain respect. I accomplished that. I was surprised to find how many athletes from around the world I knew and how many others knew me. I had the strong impression that I would be watched for every move I made and how I conducted myself each day, in victory or defeat. I'm pleased to report that I congratulated the victors genuinely (even my rivals). I gained respect by showing it for the years of hard work they too have put in preparing for these games. I tried my best to show the class and dignity that my mentors would be proud of. This is another form of Gold, that has to be brought home.

I've had a warm welcome home from everyone at Top End, and have the opportunity to visit the White House in a few weeks. I'll be smiling when I shake President Bush's hand, knowing that I showed pride and honor, even in less than ideal circumstances.
Thanks so much for everyone's support and love.

p.s. : ) They say London's nice (Paralympics 2012)..........and I'm way too competitive to go out on a loss.

yours,
Paul Schulte
Design Engineer
Invacare Top End