A Letter to My Niece -- A World Class Athlete
By
Pat Wong
26 June, 2003

　
Dear Jenny:


Here is a letter long overdue. I felt your pain in your injury loss in the Las Vegas tournament last May, but was at a loss to find words to comfort you. Some times words are best left unsaid.

Even though I didn’t know all the rules in wrestling, your Dad was very patient explaining the matches to me at ringside. The picture your Ma took of us said it all. Your dominance in your weight class was self-evident. The injury suffered from the semi-final was indeed unfortunate. In the final, your teammate (Melinda, I think that was her name) charged your hurt knee right at the start. I bet she knew of your injury prior to the match. Since you both share the same coach and the same dorm, it must have been difficult to keep the injury from her. I am glad you put your knee injury under control, defeating her, and regained your National Champion title in Indianapolis last weekend. Congratulations and we will be waiting to hear about your World tournament experience representing the United States.

I suppose the World tournament will have the 51-Kg class that you are competing in. Have you made up your mind whether to go up or go down in weight class for the Olympics? Is it premature to decide now?

The Las Vegas trip was a memorable experience for all of us. Thanks for your participation in the tournament that made an outsider of the sport like me feel like I belong. You let us see the drama of competition unfold; let us experience the vicarious thrill of victory, and agony of defeat. We have many athletes in the extended Wong’s family; we have you, my dear niece, and a world-class one.


Love,

Uncle A