Chattman drops out of Beijing Olympics
Posted by Jon Chattman on July 21st, 2008
Today, I would like to formally announce I have withdrawn participation in the upcoming Beijing Olympics. While I never applied and was never approached to be a part of any of the summer events, I have bowed out due to previous toe injuries and overall fatigue. I’m not really sure what kind of events are going on in Beijing, but I know it wouldn’t be fair to America or any country for that matter for me to compete in any of them. If swimming is one of the events, I wouldn’t be able to dive well. If there is a pole vault event, I don’t think I could throw it that far. I have two torn ligaments in my right big toe and a bunion on the left pinkie toe, so if there was a running event of any kind, i wouldn’t be able to participate to a level I’d feel confident in.
Having said all of that, this was a painful, hard decision for me to make. I appreciate all of those who supported me in this effort, and just know four years from now, I could very well consider participating in the Olympics. Well, if the festivities take place a little closer to home. Last time I checked, I cannot access Beijing via the Tappan Zee Bridge. In any event, I’ll continue to stay active, play a little softball, frequent my Equinox gym, and run occasionally to my car if I’m double parked. Again, I apologize to my fans and the various sponsors who approached me with lucrative electrolyte beverage deals.