LTC Daniel Dudek, WTC G-3 Operations, applied to be on the 2012 Warrior Games Army swimming team. Dudek is one of more than 25 other wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans who participated in the swimming clinic to earn a spot on the Army's 2012 Warrior Games swimming team. Photo credit: SSG Emily Anderson
I’m finally here. After many months of preparation and hard work, I’m finally seeing how big Warrior Games really is. It didn’t hit until I was on the track today with members of the Army team going through their workouts. Air Force team athletes were on the other side of the track with the same determination and seriousness of our team. I feel differently than when I was younger. Then I wanted to crush everyone not wearing my uniform, now I want everyone to do well and excel and enjoy second place right behind me. I’m glad to see so many service members overcoming the adversities that brought them here.
The track at the Air Force Academy is incredible. Those that know me probably wonder what I’m comparing it to since I’ve always avoided track work, but in Colorado Springs you get that sense that you can’t get much closer to nature. The air is dry and sun is just warm enough to let you can still enjoy the cool breeze. It was clear today and easy to get lost into the zone of pushing that racing wheelchair around the track and forgetting about all the people around me. Of course the air took its toll on my ability to push my lungs as hard as I did at the Fort Belvoir track in Virginia, but that’s why we’re here a little early – training to get ourselves in the best position to win.
The pool is also an impressive venue, with plenty of deck space and stands to accommodate as many as you can expect to want to watch swimming. I was surprised to feel the thin air affect me in the water as well.
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As I look around at all of the Army athletes, I feel lucky to be among such incredible people. If you’re reading this, you probably already know one… but there are forty nine other athletes just as talented and just as driven to excel. I plan to do everything I can these next few weeks to show I can earn a place among them. Go Army!
