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Brydled Instinct

9/16/2012

107 Comments

 
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Welcome!  This week's write up is a follow up on Australia's National Gold Medalist and Paralympic star, Brydee Moore, after competing in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.    

Well, the 2012 Paralympic Games are done.  Everyone has packed up and gone home to resume life as it was - to either work or play or to continue to train - but in all cases,  bask in the glory of knowing oneself earned the honor of representing their country as the best of the best.  So, as readers may recall, I wrote about two particular athletes for the paralympics that were 'ones to watch' - and my prediction did not disappoint.  Naturally, in watching the games I also learned about a whole lot of others too that dropped my jaw, like USA's Matt Stutzman and his incredible talent with Archery; just unbelievable.  However, regardless of it all, and to be perfectly honest, as much as I like athletics and sportsmanship and competition, in the end, I'm not one to get all hepped up on medals; but lets face it, what athlete DOESN'T strive to earn one/two.  I think it's great when someone earns them of course, but - well, not everyone is ever going to get one - and to me, and I mean this with all my heart - just being ASKED to represent one's country in the olympics is worth GOLD.  Whether your event ended falling flat on your face with a mouthful of track or caught the flu mid week of the games....you - are - an - olympian.  That is gold - and I really mean that.  There are approximately 4,200 athletes selected for the paralympic games.  And since the Paralympics is naturally international in scope, that of the roughly 7 Billion people on earth, the chances of being selected for the Paralympic games are about equal of being able to walk on the moon or become President of your country - at  0.000059999999999999995 %.
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Australia's Brydee Moore

So - since I've become rather vocal about the Paralympics, I'm not one to give lip service - dropping a name here for posterity - when I say something, I mean it.  So having said that, one of the athletes I wrote about prior to the games was Ms. Brydee Moore of Australia, who competed as a F33 Classification in Athletics, performing her sport with the Javelin (F33/34/52/53) and the Shot Put (F32/33/34). By all accounts, it's nearly a miracle she was able to attend, having suffered a serious leg infection earlier in the year that required both hospitalization and lots of bed rest at home.  Given her prognosis and Doctors orders, this made training difficult - having to rely on her own set of values/determination - and a system of family support and training from home.  However, as the old saying goes - there is no rest for the weary, and for Brydee, she continued her training no worse for wear and in spite of the challenges she was forced to overcome; an apparent character attribute that serves her well.  Here in the U.S., Paralympic coverage was an embarrassment, but my son and I were able to livestream Brydee's javelin competition on September 3, 2012, from one of the few websites that offered it.  For those who do not know, Paralympians are categorized within a classification, much of it based on a particular disability and the degree to which such disability effects their range of motion.  Brydee is a F33, which means that as a person with Cerebral Palsy, she generally performs her athletics starting from a seated position.  So, for Brydee, Bib # 1029, to perform her javelin throw, she is seated in a device she (as I have learned) calls a basket, which is a seat securely quadpodded to the ground.  In the middle of this device, is a gripped pole for her left hand to hold onto for counter torque of her body when it comes time to whip that javelin like a tennis ball wails when it hits the blades of a lawnmower.  My son and I watched Brydee take the seat and grasp the javelin - concentrating her energy on where she wanted the javelin to land.  And like any great athlete with honed muscle memory, she whipped that javelin into the air slicing it - making it part ways like an airfoil over a jet's wing.  The camera followed it's trajectory until it pierced the stadium's grass.  A couple of throws were jetted about - her final mark landing 10.55 metres away!  If you're an uncivilized metrically illiterate American like me - I'll give the answer to what you're wondering: that is nearly 35 feet!  Remember, this is starting from the seated position.  Sit down in a chair and grab ANYTHING.  Now spring yourself out of that chair and try to whiz your projectile of choice 35 feet.  You probably won't be able to do it - trust me. And while a Javelin is aerodynamically efficent, it is also long, clumsy - and, if released at just the wrong time, won't go very far.  It takes lots of practice, muscle memory and skill to develop any sort of prowess at throwing Javelin - at least to the extent of having any hope of success. 
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Above Photo: It takes courage to stand before a crowd of 80,000 people - let alone PERFORM before a crowd of 80,000 people. 

Okay - On to the women's Shot Put in her class, which was held on September 6, 2012.  The sport of Shot Put has been around for thousands of years, believed to have hailed from an old Celtic tradition.  The original tradition of throwing a stone evolved into throwing a cannon ball from the 1700's and from which the term 'shot' derives from.  The shot used in the first modern Olympics was apparently made of lead, while the modern day shot is made of smooth iron or brass.  Shot Put has been an Olympic event since 1896 and a women's Olympic event since 1948.  A shot put ball can weigh anywhere between 8.8 to 16 pounds.  I don't care what any armchair athlete says, either of the two is heavy, cramped in your neck and then forced to throw, which is exactly why it is a sport. After a number of attempts, Brydee zung that shot put like a grenade out the window of a preschool with it's pin pulled - with a best mark of 6.05 meters; nearly 20 feet, slightly farther than she threw at the 2010 Commonwealth Games of 5.85 meters.  Now.....20 feet.  Think about that.  Pick up a 10 pound dumbbell in your house.  Crank it into your neck.  Then, without the benefit of an overthrow, toss that dumbell the distance of my taxi.  You likely won't do it.  You won't even do it standing up and spinning.  But also, try doing it in the middle of an olympic stadium with thousands of people staring at you, with judges close by, in addition to snapping/whirling camera's and enormous pressure.  In any event, Brydee did as she does in most anything she sets her mind to - and killed the Shot Put. 

Now, its worth mentioning here that scoring the 2012 Paralympics is a bit complicated.  I watched and looked at resulting ranks for a lot of different events with absolute confusion.  I also watched competitions that were completely full of wonderment,  like swimmers with the use of only one arm competing against others with the use of both arms - etc. etc..  Final scoring results of competitions were really perplexing.  Brydee is ranked Number 1 in the world for her classification.  Since the games have ended, I have learned a few things.  For instance, when you compare Brydee's 2012 results with some others, you will see that she has less points than those who threw at a lesser distance.  Are you confused?  Well, let me explain why this is the case in MUCH easier detail in how scores are figured and finalized:


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Got it?  Yeah I didn't think so...just what *IS* this?  Well, this is the RAZA system, so named in recognition by some pot bellied math whiz named Maz Raza.  Since 2010, athletes in the Paralympics compete in a limited number of events by combining classes, and adjust their scores based on the extent of their disability. In short, what this means is the competitor who throws a shot put or what not the farthest may not win a medal, if another thrower with a more severe disability exceeds expectations for their class, which results in skewed results.  In fact, the maker of James Bond's watch, Omega, erred in tallying the scores for the F35/36 women's discus by using an outdated formula, which meant the gold medal was awarded to the wrong athlete. 

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) abandoned it's traditional form of scoring in 2010 in favor of the RAZA System. The Raza System uses a Gompertz curve, or Gompertz function, named after Benjamin Gompertz. It is a sigmoid function; a type of mathematical model for a time series, where growth is slowest at the start and end of a time period blabbity blah blah blah blah.  Bueller?  Bueller?  *Raises Hand*  "MAY I GO TO THE BATHROOM?"  

In any event, this is a topic for a whole other write up.  All I will say right now, is that at the heart of any large machine, always lies an unattended and forgotten about monkey wrench.  In the case of the Paralympic Scoring System, it is a distinct possibility that  the monkey wrench are good intentioned people reaching out to and relying on others who over complicate things.  RAZA is easy, simple, and fair!  Said no one ever.  (Except Mr. Raza, $$$$$$$$),  Perhaps there are many variables I have not examined; however, I think it's likely a fair and normal criticism.  It's easy for guys like Raza, sitting with his graphs eating potato chips trying to figure out new and inventive ways to keep his formula useful and relevant with the IPC - he already won his POT OF GOLD. 
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In closing, I certainly had fun watching this year's Paralympic Games.  These athletes work harder than anyone - without the benefit of salary, a gaggle of resources, and in many cases - sponsors.  Paralympians rely on what Olympians had to rely on since 1896 in Rome, which is sheer determination, desire, personal achievements and hard work - and for that, they have my deepest admiration.  There were a lot of advertisements in the U.S. during the Olympics in how they inspire people.  Well, for me - I am more inclined to be inspired to do better athletically when I watch guys like Matt Stutzman shoot a bow and arrow with his feet, or Brydee Moore whiz a javelin 35 feet starting from a seated position.  I bust on Michael Phelps a lot, but do you *really* think he practiced his laps at the town pool?  Or had his dad massage his shoulders at the end of an afternoon training session?  Or actually PAY for those goofy earphones he wore before every event?  No to all of the above.  To me and so many others, a Paralympic athlete is to be revered - to be admired, for all their lives even when no longer competing.  Look at my long dead relative Albert Gutterson - it's been 100 years and the University of Vermont's gymnasium still bears his name.  For a Paralympian like Brydee Moore, not only is she first in her class, she IS first class.  She is mindful of the responsibility that comes with Olympic stardom - and continues to give much of her time to assisting, training and motivating others in becoming the best they can be, whether it be for personal goals or to be one of the .0.000059999999999999995 % to represent their country as a Paralympian - and I just love her for that - there is nothing more noble on this earth then to give of oneself in so many thoughtful and selfless ways.  For all the struggles she has overcome and for all her hard earned accomplishments - either in the past, present or future - I say, WELL DONE MATE.   Admiration Earned.

Next week:  A follow up on my next over town hero, Alicia Brelsford Dana of the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team.  Until then, here are some photos of Paralympian Brydee Moore taken while at the London games:
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107 Comments
Barbara
9/16/2012 11:14:19 am

I wish I could have seen her compete. I had NO idea that was how they scored things either, seems strange

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 12:49:17 am

Me too Barbara! Me too.... Thanks so much for reading/commenting.

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P71_2008
9/16/2012 11:52:53 am

i downloaded something for the livestream channels and it worked one day and then all I got was errors so I couldn't see anything after. She sounds pretty cool

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 12:51:38 am

I know exactly what you're talking about; I had the same thing happen to me. I had to uninstall whatever it was, and then reload it again. I googled it and apparently many others had the same problem. I was equally pissed off that the London 2012 "official" website stopped uploading videos after the 5th day. How hard is it to do THAT?

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donna moore
9/16/2012 01:18:02 pm

thanks once again for a great article on my daughter its a pity Australia does not see her as a worthwhile subject to write about,, australia has too many politics involved , keep up your good work i really value what you have done

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 12:54:23 am

Why thank you Mrs. Moore - you've given me alot of insight into things I had no clue about - it isn't over! You all must be so proud of your daughter - she is something else for sure; no idea why some media outlets would not recognize that - but I do, and many others as well.

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LEANNE banks
9/16/2012 01:33:19 pm

what a great athlete Brydee is, thank you for writing such an imformative article.....A true aussie champion, from a champion family that support her the whole way.....

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 01:00:11 am

Thank you! Yes, I have learned rather quickly about her family - from her dad's coaching, her mum's tenacious encouragement, to Brydee's Kung Fu Fighting - what a unit! Whoever dates Brydee better be on his best "A GAME". ;-) I love families like this (so long as they like me lol). Thank you for reading/commenting.

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Richard
9/16/2012 02:13:01 pm

Are you serious? You can actually score lower for doing good? Great article, sounds like a superb person and athlete caught up in alot of BS,

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donna moore
9/16/2012 02:31:39 pm

yes she is caught up in major politics ranging froim an unfair point system ( if the results were based on a fairer system ie winner is the person to throw closest to their world record ) brydee would be a medal winner , australia know this raza system is wrong but they dont have the courage?? to stand up to the international boidy to say they want a change also depends on how well you are like in the paralympic system brydee is liked but as her mum i am shunned as i try and stand up for her and am always showing them where they fail, too many are affected by what is known as the " boys club rules" if you are not a member you dont get anywhere,,, also on another political point out of the 400 hundred plus australian athletes who went to london Brydee was the only athlete who was not given any financial aid as the main body decided in their own wisdom not to help fund her

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Sevin
9/16/2012 02:49:11 pm

Wow what a cool mom! Im really surprised to hear all of this, brydee is my new all time favorite athlete, wow what a struggle this must be im glad i got to read more about her with the article and then the other side to its really interesting

TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 01:09:11 am

I know allllllll too well about good old boys. If you don't play, you have no say for your minimal pay. Trust me - I've been pushing a cruiser my whole adult life. I kiss enough ass just enough to keep those above me from pinching mine; no more no less. It is most unfortunate, and I had no idea...and I mean no clue at all - that such organization could fall to the prey of powerplay. Sick. Also - I am floored about the financial aid - wow...I don't even know what to say to that - that is just all kinds of wrong. So amazing you were all able to pool resources to make her represent - I wish I had known that before. If she was the only one, well, that just really pisses me off.

donna moore
9/16/2012 02:34:11 pm

yes the politics are bad in Aus sports if you are not one of them!!! you get treated shockingly, Australia know this Raza point system is wrong but they are too gutless to complain if it was one of their favourite athletes getting ripped off they would do it,

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Shon
9/16/2012 02:53:45 pm

I agree, an Olympian/Paralympian is not just about how well they do at their sport, but how they live their lives too, it sounds like Brydee has got the right stuff.

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 01:14:04 am

Absolutely. Like most things in life. If you're untouchable, you're unloveable. Human Spirit means more than anything - how you touch others lasts a lifetime and then some. The *only* thing Brydee needs to work on, is ADDING ME ON FACEBOOK. LMAO. *totally kidding* - I couldn't resist.

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donna moore
9/17/2012 07:08:36 am

feel free to add me on facebook donna moore melbourne aus profile pic is of my 3 daughters thanks everyone for the support comments brydees next competition is in France july 2013 hopefully she will do well

Rayss
9/17/2012 12:36:54 am

Yeah Shot Put isn't as easy as alot of people think, its quite difficult to master especially from a seated position and like the other comments i too had no idea that is how the athletes are scored. Great blog

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 01:16:30 am

Oh I know! It really isn't easy at all - I totally suck at it! Actually, I suck at most sports except my bike. The scoring system is flawed; I think there is enough evidence to support the IPC re-examining how it works (or doesn't work as the case may be). Thank you for reading and the comment; I appreciate it.

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Chris
9/17/2012 02:34:58 am

Cool!

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 02:32:43 pm

Yeah it is, isn't it....

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Nathan C.
9/17/2012 04:13:29 am

As I've said before, for living in Great Britain, I felt like there was a lot of write ups on many of the athletes, however, it seemed to be the same ones, such as Oscar Pistorius. I was aware of the RAZA system, I went to Day 1 and Day 2 of the games and in the handouts it was briefly explained. I understand many of it's variables but I also agree with you the wheel does not need to be reinvented. Thank you for highlighting this athlete and for many of your recent blog topics that have covered the paralympics, albeit a bit sharp tongued at times. Cheers, Nathan C.

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 02:38:20 pm

Nathan - I know my wit can be a bit stinging at times, trust me, I toy with it often, and most the time, I do my best to tone it down - I never want to offend anyone, but on the same hand, WANT to as well - it's quite the living oxymoron for me. LOL. In any event, thank you for always reading and giving me honest comments; I appreciate it very much. In regard to the repeats you mention, I too noticed that; naturally, it irritated me.

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april
2/21/2013 09:47:09 am

I appreciate unedited (and/or stream-of-consciousness) writing; it comes from the heart before the head totally interferes. Self censorship is the equivalent of the FCC having nothing to do. Keep on rousing me, Ruse; you're a straight shooter :)

Berry USA
9/17/2012 05:58:44 am

Love this.

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 02:40:18 pm

Thank you C....I appreciate you're reading and positive affirmation and approval.

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R
9/17/2012 12:57:15 pm

Excellent Article.

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TravelsInaCab
9/17/2012 02:45:27 pm

Thank you so much - I'm pleased people are reading about these athletes - especially Brydee - and judging by my server's statistics, this particular one is the most anyone has ever read on this site. It seems the minute I tag Brydee's name - the chart skyrockets up.

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Marsha
9/18/2012 12:31:10 am

What a lovely woman, I enjoyed it, as well as the comments.

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TravelsInaCab
9/18/2012 10:16:44 am

Thank you Marsha - you're right! I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment.

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No
9/18/2012 03:38:05 am

The raza system is unfair, plain and simple, and no one outside of the committee is even aware it is used because they know everyone would raise a fuss. They get around letting spectators know about it in a very hush way IMHO. Grouping paralympic classes is not what should be done. Best write up of Brydee out there she is a true champion.

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donna moore
9/18/2012 07:05:54 am

hi NO thankyou for your comments , i have been fighting for years to get the raza system stopped , when brydee competed at the Commonwealth games in delhi in 2010 they scored the athletes performances using an older version this meant that brydee came 4th instead of winning the bronze medal, when i contacted the IPC they didnt want to know about it and used the excuse that they had put the new score system upo to early , Australia was once again weak , her coach at the time said "dont make waves as her throw was crap anyway" The Commonwealth games federation didnt want to get involved , so since then Brydee has a new coach, Before the Raza system all athletes in a combined class were scored by using the fair system of the winner was the closet throw to their world record, if this system was in place in london brydee would have won a silver medal, but as it stands under the Raza system brydee has to throw 2,5 metres further than her world record to even have a chance of getting a medal, and if you have any idea about the disability she has you will know that throwing 2,5 metres would never happen, her body would never cope with this,, as it is the world record of 6,50 metres she has been chasing for 6 years she is very close she has thrown 6.49 so it would take one big miracle to even throw 7 metres

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Diane Nw Pawloski
9/19/2012 04:54:45 am

What an incredible young woman!

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TravelsInaCab
9/19/2012 02:32:26 pm

Well Diane - I happen to agree with your assessment. Thank you for reading/commenting!

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Keenans
9/19/2012 10:34:26 am

Hi, I just wanted to say that my daughter is 8 with CP (I found you from your previous blog on CP a few weeks ago) and I read this article to her yesterday and I didn't have time to say this yesterday but wanted to come back now to say that she said she wants to be like Brydee :). Her father made her a pretend javelin out of some wood in the garage and after school today she went into the yard and was practicing throwing it! I'm glad you have this space to bring awareness to these things versus the mainstreamed media articles, I like that there is a human component to it. I hope Brydee sees this, my daughter wants a poster of her now! Take care

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donna moore
9/19/2012 03:55:25 pm

hi Keenans thanks for the comments brydee will be only to happy to chat with your daughter do you have facebook??
brydee started throwing the javelin in compettion at the age of 10 but she was throwing one for practice along with discus and shotput since she was 7 years old, if your daughter wants to contact brydee she can do so via email or facebook i hope your daughter gets involved in some type of sports im a big advocate for kids to do whatever sports suits them brydee has tried lots from wheelchair basketball, tennis to wheelchair rugby she also did some archery ( hopeless) haha

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Keenans
9/19/2012 11:06:22 pm

Hi Donna, thank you SO much for that. My name is Barbara btw. I read what you wrote to Mia and she was really excited, she also uses a wheelchair. It is so nice for her to look up to someone like Brydee, she doesn't usually but now she even wants her hair done like hers lol! She really likes sports (she tried archery to but wasnt for her) and we have been reading alot of things on the different athletes from all around the world but she really took a shine to Brydee when we looked at this (except the scoring stuff she doesnt understand, or me for that matter). I dont have a facebook, i know i need to, but Mia has a email that she uses, it is miakeenan2004@yahoo.com. If Brydee ever had a chance to email her with just a hi that would be wonderful, i have to help her with some typing, but i cant tell you how much she is inspired by her right now. I think if she had her way, she would have us call her Brydee haha.

Keenans
9/19/2012 11:01:04 am

Just came back to print a color photo for her room, guess that will have to do! My daughter name is Mia, she wants to know how old Brydee was when she started her javelin throwing, is there any way to ask her?

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TravelsInaCab
9/19/2012 02:59:21 pm

Hi there. Well, if that isn't the sweetest thing ever. I know Brydee started athletics and competition when she was four - starting with horse riding, and then at 7 progressed into other athletics. But with javelin, I don't know - however, I am lucky enough to know *just* the right person to ask. Your daughter has good taste in role models - but gee, doesn't she want a poster of ME?...haha - just kidding. Thanks so much for reading

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Keenans
9/19/2012 11:28:28 pm

Thank you for forwarding that, and I would like to say that I think you should continue writing more about these types of things, look at what it has done for my daughter. If no one has ever told you, all of us here think you're a very kind man, plus my husband loves your Mustang you saved lol. Maybe he would like a poster of you? haha. Thanks Michael.

Lauren Miller (Burke)
9/22/2012 12:54:46 pm

What a delightful woman and athelete, she sounds so strong. Her family and close friends must be so proud of all she has done.

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TravelsInaCab
9/24/2012 04:31:36 am

Hi Lauren - I believe you hit the nail on the head with each observation. Thank you for reading/commenting; I appreciate it.

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shane
9/22/2012 02:38:40 pm

Wow shes cute and this raza stuff sounds totally unfair and stupid

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TravelsInaCab
9/24/2012 04:34:47 am

Hi Shane - like all the other comments thus far, I agree with your assessment. Thanks for the read and comment!

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Jacqui
9/23/2012 12:39:50 pm

Wow I am so loving this!! I have had the pleasure of meeting this whole family (through fb) AND was privaliged to even watch brydee perform in London. The whole family are superstars and as you can all see Donna and Jim bobbly are true rocks and give great support to all their 3 wonderful girls...word I'd advice..don't mess with the mother :) well
Done Michael you really have hit the whole situation

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TravelsInaCab
9/24/2012 04:39:06 am

Thank you Jacqui, you're so lucky to have met the whole clan and see Brydee do her thing on the international stage - what a moment that must have been! A great fam - and you have great advice - and have thus given me, a great comment, for which I am grateful for. Thank you Jacqui for reading; I appreciate your positive approval very much! Mike

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Alexia
9/24/2012 02:16:02 am

So beautiful inside and out. I really admire her tenacity and courage, she is just the type of person all people should inspire to be more like. Thank you for sharing her story.

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TravelsInaCab
9/24/2012 04:42:11 am

Isn't THAT the truth. I'm quite certain of all the above. Thank you so much for taking the time to read/comment; I'm happy others can see what an inspiring person and athlete Brydee is.

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Rachel
9/24/2012 03:00:56 am

I actually found this site from the link at wifes chronicles and its neat, but this article is very sweet i liked it very much you should do more things like this, she sounds like a great person.

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TravelsInaCab
9/24/2012 04:45:46 am

Hi Rachel - yes, I shared that link as well when it was brought to my attention - and noticed it had been shared by quite a few others. I was a bit surprised to see my little pic of my car getting circulated so much. Thanks for reading and commenting - glad you like the site - and for the vote of confidence in my more heartfelt inspirations. Thanks again -

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Roger
9/27/2012 09:07:19 am

Excellent!

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TravelsInaCab
10/4/2012 09:44:00 am

Thank you sir *tips hat*

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Terrance
9/29/2012 02:51:02 pm

She sounds fantastic...

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TravelsInaCab
10/4/2012 09:44:38 am

Thank you again Terrance -

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Carol Kingsman
9/30/2012 03:28:10 pm

SO AWESOME! PARALYMPIANS ARE WAY MORE DRIVEN THAN ANY OTHER ATHLETES OUT THERE. I THINK BRYDEE MOORE MIGHT BE MY NEW HERO LOL I LOVED THIS PIECE REALLY VERY GOOD

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TravelsInaCab
10/4/2012 09:47:36 am

Ah - we meet again. Thanks so much for your enthusiastic kudos - so nice of you to say...it means alot. I agree - paralympians have a hell of a lot of determination and talent. I really admire them; I always have.

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Lyndsey in Paramus, NJ
10/3/2012 02:47:55 pm

What an amazing girl, truly an inspiration and i wish i could meet her! Just the fact she had a leg infection and still got to perform is righteous!

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TravelsInaCab
10/4/2012 09:50:45 am

Hi there. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Yeah...infections are so debillitating and painful - it saps the life right out of you. To overcome that and still have the internal drive to keep moving is something else. Really amazing gal. Thanks again.

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:-)
10/12/2012 03:16:47 pm

Loved this :) Always have respect for strong determined athletes.

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Travelsinacab
10/22/2012 12:40:22 am

Thank you smiley face - me too - would be hard pressed to find a more determined one than Ms. Moore. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.

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Judi link
10/13/2012 10:31:33 am

I'm learning so much from you. This is awesome, so much information here, and I really love your passion for this subject! Brydee Moore sounds like an awesome person, and I'm happy to know more about her. Thanks Mike :)

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DONNA MOORE
10/13/2012 01:42:17 pm

thanks for the comments judy , i love your work i was directed to your site from " johnny taco" havent fully read all your blogs but what i have read is amazing
from brydees mum

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Starr
10/15/2012 02:45:04 pm

Hi, I found this linked from Judi Sunshines blog, I'm a new subscriber to her writings too and have been perusing this blogsite. Your daughter Brydee sounds amazing, you must be so proud of her, what a lovely testament to her hard work. I do not have children, but I can only imagine how proud you must be. I wish for her many more years of success with her athletics.

Travelsinacab
10/22/2012 12:39:13 am

Thank you Judi - always love your presence - in person or space.

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donna moore
10/15/2012 03:35:09 pm

thanks Star, we are really proud of what Brydee has achieved, she keeps going on battling thru pain injury and illness yet she is determined to do her best and to help other young kids like her

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Starr
10/16/2012 03:26:17 am

That is wonderful she is so determined yet I am saddened your lovely daughter still experiences so much discomfort. Such a beautiful soul :) Please relate to her my admiration and am so thankful I learned about her.

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Travelsinacab
10/22/2012 12:42:14 am

Thank you Starr for the read and comment - looks like a bonus round for you...got yourself connected to *the* inside track with a response from her mom. Really appreciate your kind words.

Chrissssss
10/17/2012 05:10:21 am

Read it again, still fuken cool

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Travelsinacab
10/22/2012 12:43:27 am

Ha - well, third times the charm - come back anytime. Thanks for the support - always appreciated.

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Tracy Menard
10/20/2012 01:36:24 am

Do you or anyone know how to try out for a paralympic team? I have a daughter with CP and and found this after being linked to the first article about the paralympic games and Alicia brelsford and Brydee Morre and I am curious to learn more and we live in Canada. Thank you

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DONNA MOORE
10/20/2012 11:29:14 am

hi Tracey , maybe contact your paralympic commitee , in australia we have whats called talent search days for aspiring paralympians , they get tested and shown what a good pathway would be for them,, does your daughter do any sports at all , you could also contact the relevant sports area, my email is goggles1@optusnet.com if you want to discuss stuff cheers donna brydees mum

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Travelsinacab
10/22/2012 12:47:08 am

Thank you Donna. Tracy....I cannot stress enough what an awesome outreach Donna would be for you and your child - there is no one who is more familiar and knowledgeable with the process then her; I've learned a ton from her. I suggest reaching out to her anytime you have a question - she will definitely get back to you. Glad you found the articles - and appreciate the read/feedback.

Tracy
10/25/2012 12:18:33 pm

Thank you so much Donna, I was able to find their website and wrote to them and they wrote back almost immediately, and will be sending us all kinds of things to look after. My daughter does not play any sports per se, but is involved in equestrian. We are so excited to learn the process for the next paralympic games and that equestrian is something she may be able to compete in! So wonderful to meet you!

Tracy
10/25/2012 12:21:12 pm

And thank you to you as well travelsinacab, im sorry I dont know your real name!, The stories of Alicia and Brydee has definately inspired us

Amarel Alvarez
10/29/2012 05:16:45 am

I really enjoyed this. she is strong and I love her name!

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Travelsinacab
11/11/2012 07:25:32 am

Thank you Amarel - I'm sorry I'm just seeing this now and am late. I appreciate the comment. And yeah, it is a cool name - I've never known anyone with it either. Take care!

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Zoey
11/9/2012 02:05:02 pm

When r the next paralympics and where? Will she be in them or do you only get to go a few times how does that work.

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donna moore
11/9/2012 02:09:04 pm

Hi Zoey the next Paralympics will be held in RIO in 2016 they are held every 4 years , brydee will hopefully be still competing , it depends on her making the distance and qualifying, hopefully the sports politics in australia will improve so that she has a hazzle free time trying to qualify, her next major comp is in france in 2013 so we are working hard to try and get her there
thanks for reading her story
cheers donna

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Zoey
11/11/2012 02:40:36 am

Omg i read the other comments your are her mom thats so neat. I hope she makes it she sounds so awesome, shes so pretty and strong im glad to read about her thank you for letting me know, i hope she makes it i will pray she does, even if she doesnt she has done so much its so amazing and its soo cool your her mom :)

Travelsinacab
11/11/2012 07:30:07 am

Hi Zoey - I'm sorry I'm just seeing this now, it looks like Donna answered - she is sort of the go to gal for this stuff, I've learned alot from her. Thank you too for all your other comments I've just seen; I appreciate your taking the time to both read and drop nuggets of love. I'm happy to see others take an interest in the paralympics - I'm only getting started on a lot of it - I've only recently learned there is an existence of unfairness and political bumblyfuck with it. Hopefully this won't happen to Brydee for 2016 - keep your fingers crossed. Thanks again -

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Anon
11/13/2012 02:27:17 pm

Sir,

I wish to leave my comment anonymous for the time being. Your site was shared with me. I am a former paralympic athlete having competed in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens. I tried for the 2000 Games in Sydney, but didn't get selected. When I finally did for 2004, it changed my life in so many ways. Since then, I have remained closely involved with athletics for the disabled and the IPC, and I will state that I share similar concerns with scoring. My games too had many changes, as well as tragedy too. I have read your articles and I find myself saddened that this young athlete may have been treated unfairly, after reading some of the comments. I am going to raise this issue to my countries committee and with your permission, use some of the information in the article. To that end, I concur with your conclusion, well done to this athlete, simply fantastic, as are all Paralympians, it really is an unbreakable bond and I am honored to have been able to compete. And thank you for your support. I have attached my non-published email address, please indicate any copyright issues you have so that I may share information if you please.

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Travelsinacab
11/14/2012 02:23:51 am

Hi there - email received - message sent. Feel free to use anything on this site; it is a completely public forum. If there is anything at all here that may champion fairness in athletics - I am all for. I think if you look at my raza blog; albeit sarcastic and biting - it outlines some of the algorhithms' deficiencies. It's unfair to specific athletes, and I don't like it - and I think the political arrogance of certain administrators have failed to consider reason. One need not look any further than this blog though with Ms. Moore - if there was ever a canvas for a champion being treated unfairly - her story would be the paint, and the IPC (amongst others) would be the artist. Thank you SO MUCH for your comment - and for doing whatever you can for awareness.

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Slo_Moe
11/14/2012 11:16:10 pm

Where I do find video of games this year?

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Travelsinacab
11/15/2012 05:23:38 am

Hi Slo-Moe. Well...I think probably the most detailed place would be here: https://www.youtube.com/user/ParalympicSportTV

Good luck finding some events though - especially athletics. I think many events the tapes either stopped running or the operators fell asleep. But running and swimming? Oh yeah...they were all over that. Harumph.

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jim Martin
11/17/2012 03:30:51 am

Okay read this after raza. This is the young woman there was a comment about. Outrageous and disappointing. I wish this athlete the best and its unfortunate she got fucked with. Seems no one can escape politics even if you mind your own business. Great story ill look for her in future.

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Sarah Martin
11/17/2012 06:42:02 am

My name is Sarah Martin Gilchrist, I am Jim's wife. He shared with me this story as i have muscular dystrophy. Long story short a friend shared something you wrote unrelated and he ended up here. I just want to say that i read this and the comments and I am really upset about this and the scoring systems he shared with me. I admit I did not see much of the paralympics I dont even remember them being on, but I am really inspired by this young womans story and I just want to say that I think she has a incredible spirit and I admire her very much and I hope you and others continue to follow her career for others to read about because she is someone to look up to. Its not easy dealing with disabilities and I think she is a hero to her country and others. Thank you fr listening.

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Travelsinacab
11/17/2012 12:20:34 pm

Hi Jim, yep - you figured it out. It really is a shame, I was shocked to learn some of the things I did; it is most unfortunate. BUT - I don't believe that takes away from someone's accomplishments. I truly do feel as though that Brydee Moore earned her spot in the annals of history as it stands. I write what I mean. Oh, - and I see below you've brought your wife along - ! Many thanks sir.

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Travelsinacab
11/17/2012 12:36:00 pm

Jim - also...regarding the follow up with Alicia Brelsford Dana - I did not get to it regrettably - there was also a full spread article on here in the newspapers and most of what I would have written would have been pretty much the same. I still will do something - I owe that to her, because I am truly impressed with anyone who competes in olympic games. Thanks again.

jim martin
11/17/2012 03:38:56 am

Is there an article on alicia brelsford dana? I dont find it

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Sarah Martin
11/17/2012 06:44:48 am

I am also going to share this with my support groups many of who have interest in comepetive sports

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Suzanne in Illinois
11/17/2012 07:21:08 am

<3 Shared and adored. Breathtaking to battle not only her disability and be ill before competing must have been so hard and to have such respectable results is incredible. A true olympian and I too share my friend Sarahs sentiment and hope to see or read more about her in the future. Go Brydee Moore USA loves you! 8-)

Jackie Martin
11/17/2012 08:21:06 am

Thank you Sarah, the fact that this score stuff made me mad, took away from my the enjoyment of reading about her. Why arent there more stories or media about people like her? I much rather read about this woman than people in hollywood or royalty, at least she is working towards something on her own with her family and helping others

Laura Moore
11/17/2012 09:05:16 am

Thank you from me too Sarah! I share her last name! I loved this very much, she is a very beautiful and inspiring young woman. Such a drag with the scoring mess they use though it made me angry. I pray God blesses her and she continues to inspire so many people in this world.

Travelsinacab
11/17/2012 12:30:28 pm

Sarah, Suzanne, Jackie and Laura -

Thank you so much for reading the article and taking the time to share with others and comment. The paralympic games did not get it's true justice here in the U.S. - trust me, I whined about that in another blog. I think that the bottom line to this true tale, is that despite the small part of the unfair scoring system, that what should be, and is celebrated, is that Brydee Moore has competed in two Paralympic games, is a National Champ in Australia - is still very competitive (is competing in France next year) - and is a hardworking and accomplished athlete. I'm pleased others can see this - and I hope she continues with her athletics - and trust me I will be sure to cover it and support it. Thanks again ladies for your comment; I truly appreciate it.

Amanda
11/17/2012 11:38:30 am

Sharer number 4 lol, Incredible what a huge stadium i could never go out there and do that! I cant believe she had a infection and still did what she did, its amazing

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Travelsinacab
11/17/2012 12:33:31 pm

Hi Amanda - thank you so much for the share, read and comment. I agree with you, it would be pretty intimidating to go out with all those people; it is a very impressive photograph. Sort of reminds me of the Colosseum in Roman times. It really is amazing. Thanks again - !

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Jill!
11/18/2012 07:17:18 am

Count me as another sharer! Refreshing and pure joy to read this, other than what looks like unfair scorings that I can not understand. Brave, Strong, Beautiful, Athletic. All the things I think of when someone says Olympian. I love Australia and spent two weeks there in 2003 and New Zealand for a week. Makes me wish I could meet her

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David Graham
11/18/2012 11:21:31 pm

As the single father of a young boy with CP, I really appreciated the spotlight on this young woman. It gives me hope. Thank you for sharing, she's incredible.

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Tammy & Paul Fontaine
11/23/2012 01:50:04 pm

As a parent of a child with CP, this article and athlete has given us all so much admiration and excitement. We hope to follow her by example and to follow more about her, will she compete in the next paralympic games? Warmly

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David Graham
11/23/2012 02:00:15 pm

Me too. I think it is important to involve our children with athletics, they are good goals and can obviously be met. It is inspiring to say the least and sounds like she has a solid family support system.

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Shawn
12/3/2012 02:02:41 am

What a great article. I wish her the best in future games.

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donna moore
12/3/2012 06:15:01 am

i have just re read all the lovely comments, Yes Brydee will still train and hopefully get selected to compete at the world games in France july2013 and RIO 2016 it will all depend on the politics in Australia if things don't change she will have a hard time in being selected they have now put in more unfair clauses which they then can stop any athlete from competing using some crap minor issue clause. brydee is very determined to keep competing and representing her country. Brydee tries not to let the politics affect her she jsut gets out there everyday and trains and keeps hoping to succeed, she leaves all the fighting crap to me lol she wants to be the best she can be, Brydee volunteers her time on a Saturday morning coaching a group of young disabled kids she is hoping to motivate them into succeeding in life she wants them to learn that there is more to life than being in a wheelchair.
brydees motto is "SEE THE ATHLETE NOT THE DISABILITY"

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David Graham
12/4/2012 01:14:08 pm

Thanks Donna for the update on her. It is shocking that she did all this for her country and is getting treated so bad. My wife and i were pleased to read about her as our young toddler has cp and it is nice to see that so much remains to be accomplished so she is really an inspiration to us. We like her motto very much and enjoyed learning about her and look forward to seeing more

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HBrine
12/7/2012 01:04:28 am

Alright so I wasn't going to comment, got here by car domain top gear and surfing around it great site but then saw Australia and colors and had to give it a read. From Wollongong, and enjoyed to read about her. Read the comments though and not happy with politics though Im not surprised. Thanks to Brydee Moore for representing us Aussie's, awesome job makes me proud. Great read. ps love this whole site

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Travelsinacab
12/9/2012 04:16:04 am

Thank you HBrine - I appreciate you leaving a comment and approval. I thought you were joking at first until I looked up Wollongong. I was surprised when my hit counter was through the roof the other day and noticed my 'about my story' was linked through Top Gear! Amazing! In any event - there is no other blog I would rather have someone read than this one - thanks for the read; I really appreciate it.

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Jay
12/13/2012 09:43:16 am

Cool Best of luck for rio

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Jean Lindsey
1/9/2013 10:06:55 am

I really loved this, I want to be a part of the paralympics someday and I read a lot about the athletes and I like her even though im from Canada! I need to work harder

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Travelsinacab
1/9/2013 11:30:06 am

Hi Jean - thanks for the nice comment; I'm glad you liked it. I wish you the best in any future athletic endeavors you have, even though I'm from the USA! HaHa.

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    This section of the site is not specific to my taxi travels. They are not really rants either. It is more of a space for me to simply raise awareness to topics that either inspire or frustrate me as an individual.  
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