Hello everyone,
One of my shot put action shots while competing for USC this year
Yes– you heard it here first– I am retired! From working– well, no. Today, I officially retired from being a track and field athlete. A few years ago I thought I was done with track (many other people did as well), but I am really, really, REALLY done with track this time! 😀 I thought that the process was going to be simple– lose the throwing weight, say to people, “hey, this is going to be my LAST track meet“, and put the throwing shoes up and let them collect some spiders. 😀 A few days ago, I got a packet from USADA and USATF that said that I since I was ranked in the top 50 in the world in the shot put this year, I can be randomly drug tested. I was like, wait a minute– I am done with track! I’m retired!
So –why is it important to tell everyone that you are officially retiring from the sport? Well, if you don’t tell your athletic organization or USADA by a certain time — then you would get a 2-year suspension and be labeled as a “drug cheat.” Yikes! No one wants that! 🙁
They really make you work to say that you are retiring from the sport. Little did I know. I found out today that I had to have in writing that I was going into retirement, and send that both to USADA and the NGO that I am affliated with (which would be USA Track and Field). I was like, okay– I can do that. Then you have to write specifically to the people in charge of anti-doping, and of course their contact information is easy to find on their web sites. Hmmmm– it took some time, but I found out who I needed to send my email and letters to.
I got the letters off and the emails sent– so I guess it is safe to say that my track and field career is over and done with. 🙂 There are many things that I am going to miss abou track– good memories and I met some great people in the process. I am proud of what I accomplished in the 10 years I spent in track, but I’m ready for the next chapter of my life. 😀
In case you are wondering, this is the statement that I sent to USADA and USATF about my retirement:
August 8, 2006
Hello **********,
My name is Karen Freberg, and I just finished my last year of college eligibility for USC. The purpose of this email is to inform you that I am retired from track and field competition. My 2006 USATF Membership number is ***********. I will follow this email up with a letter. Please let me know if you require any further information from me. Thank you and have a great day.
Best Wishes,
Karen Freberg
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