Today was a monumental day as my heat opened the races as the first heat of the day in Paracanoe's Paralympic debut. History was made. The wind was pumping and chop forming. My first race was far from my best, but I had another chance in the semi-finals. I started the race strong and was ready to transition to the second part of my race plan when I hit a bump that otherwise would not have fazed me, but this time it flew me into the Rio waters.

There is a balance pendulum that moves between stability and speed on a K1 and it changes in every environment (part of my love for the sport). My thoughts were first to close my mouth to avoid swallowing water and then the thought of not finishing set deep. Once I got to the dock, I was met by the beautiful Brazilian friends I have made during this experience and their love and laughter calmed my emotions. Love really does conquer the feelings of defeat.

For a moment, changing sports to swimming crossed my thoughts but like a wise Korean monk said to me hiking up a mountain at Bulguk Temple in Korea, "This will not defeat me." 

I am still jumping into the unknown everyday and will continue to push my limits. With challenge comes the opportunity to know what drives a person. This experience will not define me but it will catapult my drive to be a better empathetic athlete as well as set the bar of a lifelong legacy of builiding access to athleticisim.

Today is September 4 and I literally am on the Road to Rio now. I depart early this morning for Houston to meet with other Team USA participants and then tomorrow we continue on to Brazil.  This has already been an incredible journey, in part because of the overwhelming support I have received from so many boosters; both friends old, and friends new. Thank you for believing in me and helping to alleviate the cost of this great endeavor.

I will keep you posted as the adventure continues in Rio.

Mahalo!

Awe! I woke up this morning in North Carolina to find my Rally Me account has nearly doubled in the last 24 hours. I am overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing I am supported by my fellow Hawaii community through this path to the paralympics. I will picture all of you shouting at my shoulders as I am racing in Rio. Motivation for speed work on the water this morning with my coach has gone up and totally worth the pain knowing all of you are behind me. Thank you Hawaii News Now for such an unique approach to my story. Seeing and hearing my mom was such a great way for me to imagine her and feel right at home 5000 miles away. My mom is a great woman of God and has taught and continues to teach me principles a that has shaped me to the woman I am today. Her devotion and service to my bothers and I is a gift that I am lucky to be a recipient of and hope to emulate throughout my life. I am who I am because her selfless acts of unconditional love she so willingly gives to all. Mahalo no na po'e O Hawai'i. Rio, Here I come!

My races are September 14th and 15th. There is coverage on NBCSN and should be live streamed across the world. Look for this Hawaiian in rubber slippers and sporting the shaka all dressed in USA attire. 

Paracanoe LIMITED edition T-shirt. David and Dede of Oiwi has designed and offered a Team Yoshida t-shirt to support my Paralympic endeavors. All proceeds go to my travel and training expenses for the 2016 Paralympics. Below is the direct link. It will be offered until August 31st. Get yours now.

http://www.oiwioceangear.com/collections/all-products/products/hawaii-to-rio-2106

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my 2016 Rio Paralympics fundraising campaign. In just one week more than $2000 has been raised -- 1/5 of the goal of $10,000. Because of your generosity I am able to continue my training in North Carolina with my coach, Stephen Knight, before departing for Rio in the beginning of September.

Feeling stronger and faster every day.

Muito obrigado!

Ann