2009 USA Outdoor Championships

I hope this picture says it all.  There is nothing like taking a victory lap at Hayward Field and it was more exciting taking it with my son.  He enjoyed the crowd, waving the flag and being up close to the race that was going on while we were running. Once again we had a great crowd, nice weather and a close competition.  I opened up with what I thought was a great starting throw, trying to put the pressure on the rest of the field.  I was watching the disc fly thinking I got a hold of that one.  Just when it was close to landing I saw it hit the official in the shoulder and I thought man I got shorted again.  I had a long throw taken away in 2005 when I hit official in flight and it cost me a national championship.   I tried to keep my cool and the mark came back 60.97 so I thought that will make finals and possibly the team.  It took a few rounds to refocus but I got my groove back in my final 3 throws.  And in typical Aretha fashion my last throw was my best at 62.51.  And it moved me from 3rd to 2nd place. I am very excited to have made my 4th World Championship team and I am looking forward to competing in Berlin.  I have thrown in the Olympic stadium in past in a couple of grand prix meetings it’s a really cool track, bright blue lanes and it is energetic.  I know it will be more exciting being there as an USA Team since our least team was there in 1936.Thanks again to everyone for all your support and encouragement this year and helping me make the 2009 World Championship Team!!! Thanks photo run for sending me a copy of the picture.