My family support has been huge, too. I for sure wouldn’t be close to the athlete I am today without my parents and sisters. My parents spent hours and hours and hours driving me to club practices and club tournaments. When I would forget something, they would run to the store – no matter what, they were always there for me.

Then there’s my husband, Todd. We met in high school and became best friends after we started spending more time together. After my freshman year of college we got married and now live in Provo together. He has been incredibly supportive of me in everything that I do. He is constantly going out of his way to make my day a little bit easier, whether it's cooking dinner, cleaning the apartment, doing our laundry, or helping me study; he's always looking for things to do for me.

Todd is currently working full time as an electrician and going to school at the same time in order to get his journeyman's license. He has shown me how to appreciate the little things in life and how to find joy in any situation. Todd is my absolute best friend and I could not be where I am without his unconditional love and support.

By Mary Lake

Steeplechase at 1/40th

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