Spotlight on Emily Andrews
(Emily just returned from the Youth World Championships in Bulgaria in September 2008)

My experiences in the beautiful and most interesting country of Bulgaria were ones that will be a part of me forever.

The days of competition and camaraderie with the other Pentathletes have made me realize how much harder I must train to compete on an Olympic level.  My competitive bar was raised without me even touching it.

I learned that the European Pentathlete deals with intense completion every day and is deemed either a national hero or often a dismal failure for their native country.  Their intensity and competitive spirit will be a part of me forever as I strive to reach my goal to represent my country in my chosen sport.

It was so enlightening to become a part of a national "family" of competitors who will stare you down on all five of our sports, and when the events conclude, embrace you like a sister.  That truly is the Olympic Spirit created by the ancient Greeks that I am learning to embrace as a part of my every day life.

I have learned how to learn about my chosen goals and will carry this experience as a growing opportunity to represent my country and achieve my goals as world class pentathlete.