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Patrick's Paralympic Journey
View ForumPatrick McDonald, 43, was born in Los Gatos, Calif. He has been involved with sports his entire life. He started with soccer—lettering as a high school freshman—and racing motorcycles in the desert when he was 5. After joining the U.S. Army in 1989, he was hurt in November 1991. He was introduced to wheelchair sports during rehab and has been involved ever since. His wife Carrie and kids Andie, 8, and Kaelan, 4, join him often when he competes. Off the ice, McDonald’s plays golf and has a 1.5 USGA Handicap and holds the record for the longest drive at 358 yards. Follow Patrick’s Paralympic journey before, during, and after the Games here on his blog.
Final Thought
The last few days were intense. We all spent most of our time getting ready for the medal rounds and I was meeting some people from Washington because who were interested in my military service.
Friday was busy. Meting after meeting, then practice to pick out what stones we want for the next few games. On Saturday, we played Korea first and were looking good. Then in the 6th end on Goose's final rock we had a pick of the stone and that changed everything… and we lost that game.
Now we had three hours before the bronze match. I had my iPod, played with my PSP for a while, and then we talked about the game coming up against Sweden. We felt good going in and the game was tuff and in the 6th end we
had some bad stones and we went down by 2. We needed to get at least 1 or 2 in the 7th and 8th to win.
We got 1 in the 7th and we were looking good in the 8th going down to last rocks again. They played a nice shot that raised one of their stones closer than ours that made it hard to get closer. We only had one shot to do that and we went for it and it was close. The umpire had to measure it and we were an inch short. So it's true inches do count.
My final thought of the whole experience was great. The hard work put in was well worth it. To make your dreams come true you have to put in the hard work and believe in your self.
I hope you all had a good ride with me over the past few weeks. Until next time…
Patrick McDonald
TEAM USA
P.S. Remember, life is the best gig in town and the show must go on!!!
March 16
We lost to Sweden last night; again down to last rock and last end. But we played great. The team is coming together nicely. We have two good teams to play today. I’m in the therapy room with ice on my shoulder and getting ready to get taped up. My son’s B-DAY was yesterday. His name is Kaelan, and he is 4 now. So sorry I missed it little man, I love you.
March 15
Ok, I think my days ran together because I forgot about the crazy win against Great Britain. Great last shot by our skip GOOSE. Ok, I think I’m on track.
March 14
We had the morning off so I went to town and saw some pretty cool stuff. Vancouver is a great place to visit. I want to come back to relax. Back to the venue, our next two games are going to be tuff ones against Germany. We got lucky with their skip missing his last shot to win, and then we had a great game with Italy—we dominated the first end to the eighth. Great games to come away with wins.
March 13
Today we got up early to get ready for our first game. We played Korea; it was close for awhile, and then we stole an end or two in the last few rounds to pull off a win. And now a few hours wait until the next game. Canada came out strong in their first game so it was going to be tough. We didn’t play very well and gave up a couple of big ends in the middle and we couldn’t get them back; so we lost, 10-5; not a bad day — pretty happy.
March 12
It was an awesome opening ceremony, but it was a long wait in the tunnel and everyone was HOT. But it was worth it. When we came out and saw the crowd, my heart was pounding and the energy in that place was high! The performers tied everything together, I’m proud to say I was there.
March 8–9
We had practice with the Great Britain team in Richmond, just out side of Vancouver.Our other practice site was a little drive to Abbottsford, about an hour on our team bus that only goes 53 miles per hour. The two bus drivers are from Salt Lake City and are very nice. Everyone here is friendly, and the volunteers will help with anything. The USA staff is on top of everything—every detail is done for us so all we have to do is get ready for the games.
I smashed my thumb on my throwing hand and had to go to our medical room. Nothing broken but I do have it wrapped up. And again, what an awesome team we have in there. I’m going to the athletes lounge tonight to check it out. So tune in next time from Vancouver. Have fun everyday cause life is cool and it’s not over...so enjoy.
March 7
We left for Vancouver: I can’t wait to see the Paralympic Village and meet the other teams. WOW! The Village rooms are gorgeous. I share a two-bedroom condo with teammate Jacqui and her husband, Harry,who is on staff. The view of downtown Vancouver is cool; just sitting in the living room and looking out the window is incredible. More on the village later.
March 6
We left for Denver to meet up with the U.S. sled hockey team and get the Team USA gear from Nike and Ralph. We got off-ice uniforms for the opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies. And don’t forget the Podium uniforms for when we get there. We also went through meetings to learn the “how to’s” and the “how notto’s” of being a Paralympian.
March 4–5
Now it’s back to business. We worked on the ice on our draw weights and takeouts back in Madison. We talked a lot about how the next two weeks were going to go.
March 3
It was very good to get back on the ice and work on a few things before coach started working us. After lunch we discussed strategy and different lineups and timing. At dinner coach told us in the morning we were heading to where Rusty,our assistant coach, lives to play a scrimmage with the varsity boys team from the local high school. We all had a great time. After that we played the varsity girls team, and a lot of the town showed up—around 100 or more, as well as the local paper. They played great and it was back and forth the whole game. When it was done, we came off the ice to a great pasta dinner provided by a local Boy Scout troop—awesome!
March 1–2
Headed to Madison to meet up with the team. The plane ride was good; everyone said good luck, and I got to play video games with a bunch of kids who were on the plane.Got to hotel late and went to bed.
February 26
Got off the ice late last night and had to pack—going home at 3:30a.m. I napped a little in the lobby before the cab got here. I got to see cops arrest this lady outside the front door, and she did not want to go easy; it took five cops to take her down. It was snowing and all of them were rolling around on the ground. I was at the airport and took another nap before the plane took off. The first flight was only 28 minutes; then I had a lovely five-hour layover in Chicago. I picked up some new games for my PSP and two movies—Kill Bill 1 & 2—I'm happy.
The flight was great; very cool in first class—only about six of us. We all had a blast telling stories about who we were and talking about our kids. Can't wait to see them. I signed some posters for the others around me and for the crew—that was pretty cool. Made it to Sacramento safe, and leaving the gate, Doug, the guy who works the bar and restaurant, saw me and called me over to see how training went and to take a picture with me. Then it was down to baggage and out to the car. Yes, my kids were there waiting for me;got some awesome hugsand kisses.
February 25
Last night we were on the ice until 11 p.m. Got up early today and have already been on the ice since 9a.m. Lunch was good, but eating and training like this reminds me of when I was inthe Army 20 years ago. I got hurt in 1991, breaking my back while in Korea on patrol. I spent almost three months there before they got me back home. My family was always there for me, so rehab was not that bad. They say I haven’t changed a bit. I’m still going and going, helping other vets, going to children’s hospitals, or taking care of my kids. Life is good. I think life is the great gig in town, and the show must go on.
February 24
Sitting here listening to my Ipod, waiting for lunch. Thinking about my kids who are back home in California who are sick. I wish I was there to take care of them, but I have to wait for my last training session in Madison (Wisc.) to be over.
With only a few days left before Vancouver, the team is working very hard, but getting all of us together is very tuff. I live out west, Jam lives in New Hartford (N.Y.), Pierce and Goose live in Syracuse (N.Y.), and Jacqui is in Point Pleasant (N.J.).
It’s been 30 minutes and no lunch; it’s time go back on the ice. We are going to play a 2-on-2 game with coach Steve Brown and his son Craig, who is probably one of the best curlers in the United States. We will be getting a really good session in today.
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