7+ months late but that is probably one of the most inspiring articles that I have read in a long time. There is a saying that my Grandparents use to say to me growing up. It fits very well here for you. It goes,"Don't give up before the miracle happens." I think it is a perfect fit. You did not let the loss take you out of competing altogether and you became a national champion a year later after a serious blow to your pride after working so hard then losing. You knew what you had to do to change it and you did it and came out the best and I am sure you can not be more proud of yourself and that drive to succeed and achieve your goals and defend your tit;e has been multiplied times 10. Congratulations on everything MM you worked hard for it your earned it and you deserve ever bit of it. Now you need to get a shirt that says,"YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE" LOL Goodluck at the NAS Nationals. Respectfully .Wake