(Guru's Note: Kathleen has a column on Lisa Leslie in the post below this one, which is Leslie's final diary installment from China for the Associated Press).
By Lisa Leslie
For The Associated Press
BEIJING — Welcome to the Lisa Leslie Diary. We did it! We did what we came to Beijing to do, to win the gold medal. Of course, this is my fourth gold medal, and it is my last Olympics.
It’s hard to put into words the magnitude of what we accomplished Saturday night — representing your country and being the best in the world.
It was the third time we faced Australia for the Olympic title; that’s just the way it was supposed to be. They’re the second best team in the world and to prove it they’re going home with the silver medal for the third time.
I’m not hating, but someone had to lose — and it hasn’t been us, not on my watch.
I don’t know if I could have picked a better way to wrap up my Olympic career than at the Beijing Games than with this group of ladies. I’ve had a great time fellowshipping with this team. They told me they were going to make sure I went out on top. And they made sure it happened.
I wore all four of my medals during the ceremony because it was something I had dreamed about — to stand on that platform and share with the world what we accomplished.
When we got back to the hotel, there was a crowd of our fans, friends and family waiting to welcome us when we got off the team bus. My family was there, including my husband Michael, who gave me a big hug and congratulatory kiss. What a way to end the day.
But everyone has been so supportive of us; I’m feel so blessed.
This team has been so unselfish and together from Day One. It’s been awesome playing and praying with this group.
Well, I’ve truly enjoyed sharing a little of what goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics. Wow, what way to go out. Thanks for everything and God bless you all.
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