Subject: RE: Favorite Professional Triathlete (Woman) - 2008Girl Passing on Left - 2008-12-22 12:05 AM
Heather Gollnick without a doubt. She was sooo very kind to my family and I when we went to the IMAZ. She made it a point to find us my daughter and I and give us two Ironman backpacks full of Ironman goodies and swag...after she heard we were back to cheer my brother on to finish this emotional race after he was pulled from the bike portion of the IMFL when his wife drown....She was amazing to us...and I will never forget her or Mike Reilly the voice of all the IM races. He made a very special announcement at the start of the IMAZ. Just as they were about my mom and I were perched directly below his stand on the shoreline and even though he had no idea we were there....he said two minutes to go...and then said...Mike Griffin if you are out there...I want you to know...today is your day....TODAY YOU WILL BE AN IRONMAN!....I can not tell you how touching that was! My mom and I started sobbing...everyone around us was looking at us like we were crazy....well we were crazy...with worry...we were so concerned that he would not make it...and he did...and within the cut off...so, Mike Reilly...you and Heather will always hold a special place in our families heart....and I know that Dorothy was smiling down on you! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! and for being so darn right down to earth!!!!
I started tearing up just reading this. What an awesome story! It shows the heart of people within this sport!
Congrats to your brother on becoming an Ironman! What better tribute than that to his wife! |