ski like a girl profiles Robel Teklemariam

"One Winter, Five Dreams" Panasonic Vancouver 2010 Athletes Blog

"The five athletes we have chosen to introduce here have overcome a variety of adverse circumstances in seeking the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games.
They may not be “star” athletes, but like every Olympic contender they have a dramatic story to tell. About having meager finances and putting one’s entire resources intro training. About battling the barrier of an aging body before even beginning to face one’s rivals in sport. About going to the Olympic Winter Games from a country without snowfall.
And like every athlete who aims for the Olympic Games, they each cherish a special dream in their hearts.
It is the strength to believe in one’s dream that makes it possible to keep on trying and overcome all types of adversity. We want to put these athletes in the spotlight and share their dreams and passion for Olympic competition.
Please add your comments to their blogs. Your voice of encouragement will cheer them on to pursue their dreams of Olympic gold. It will help them stay energized, motivated and focused on winning. In this way, you can participate in the human drama of making dreams come true and the thrill of victory.
The Olympic Games are a magnificent stage where athletes and their supporters from around the world can celebrate sports together regardless of national borders and cultural differences."

Here is the first of the five athletes.

Robel Teklemariam

Ethiopia

Men's Cross-Country Skiing

Robel Teklemariam (born 1974)

What would it feel like to be the only skier on your ski team? The only skier from your country? Robel Teklemariam is a skier who understands this. He was the only skier who represented Ethiopia at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. He was the first athlete to represent Ethiopia in any event at the Winter Olympics. Although he has lived in the United States since the age of 9, he has founded and heads the Ethiopian Ski Association. Robel Teklemariam believes that, if given the opportunity, Ethiopian athletes can become future gold medalists in the Winter Olympics.

Robel said of the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, "I'm a realist. My goals are for further down the road. I want this Olympics to open my eyes and hopefully the eyes of other Ethiopians." Although he did not get his ticket to the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics he continues to work towards his dream. Robel believes that "nothing is impossible. I continue telling myself to strive until my dreams come true. No matter how long it may take." Once again in 2010 Robel is going solo to the Winter Olympics please join ski like a girl in supporting Robel's Olympic dreams!

Check out Robel's blog and share you words of support and encouragement as he continues to focus on his dream. And wish me luck in my dream of becoming the Gold Blogger so I can go to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and continue cheering on all the amazing athletes.

Here's the info on the Gold Blogger.

"Panasonic also is conducting a global campaign to select a "Gold Blogger" from among the general web users who share Panasonic's passion and help promote the blog, through their blogging and/or other social media activities. Panasonic will provide a place for the Gold Blogger to exhibit his/her skills.
The selected Gold Blogger will be sent to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to cheer for the athletes and blog about the athletes' activities and competitive performances. The Gold Blogger will represent all who wrote support messages on the website and hand deliver these messages to the athletes. Roundtrip airfare, local accommodation and Game tickets will be provided by Panasonic Corporation!!!"

xoxo,
ski girl
p.s. Check back tomorrow at ski like a girl for a profile on Katharine Eustace, New Zealand, Skeleton.