Repost from @cklinepeter • People have been asking me if I’m going to the Tokyo Games. The short answer is no, but here is what I’ll say: the journey has been worth it, and I am excited to cheer on my many friends who will be competing in the coming weeks. Five years ago when I took the risk to dare greatly and go after my childhood dream of becoming an Olympian in karate, I couldn’t see how I would make it to where I am today. I wasn’t sure how far I’d get, but I knew one thing — I would rather try than always wonder. The journey was hard. I put in thousands of hours of training. I’ve had ACL replacement surgery, fractured fingers, and multiple concussions, the most major one occurring just five weeks before the team trials in 2020. I juggled leading a company and parenting kids and conversations with Jon about how we would make it all work. I’ve learned a lot along the way about recovery and healing that — paired with how I eat/fuel my body — has continued to allow me to do what I do as I approach 42. I’ve learned about mindset and perspective. About advocating for myself. About focus and managing my energy. About setting daily intentions and prioritizing. About how much the support of my partner, kids, family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, therapists, and even strangers means. In the end, unfortunately not a single female karate fighter from the US will participate in this year’s Olympics. I’ve questioned what was in the cards for me many times, but I’ve made peace with it, and this last year of training has been my best yet — from the people I’ve gotten to train with (both virtually and in-person) to getting to train abroad for a month before competing in my first Premier League this spring. It’s been an incredible experience. I couldn’t have and didn’t do this five-year journey alone. It makes me think of the African proverb — “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” For those of you reading this (and to the many not on the gram), thanks for being in my corner. I am honored that I was able to be part of this first Olympic movement for karate, and I am a different person because of it.

@tonismiththecorgi successfully reduced. Have to keep her alive and healthy for many many years as she brings the whole #karasclan #joy! #karasraves #karasrants #jimkaras #jimkarasintelligencematters #jimkarasintelligentfitness #jimkaraspersonaltraining #fitness #wellness #chicago

Thank you @NBC6intheMix @JenHerreraTV great segment @lil_livkay https://t.co/YwpHSp0cwZ