Tami Lahey, an 11 year old girl from Naples, FL competed in the Jr. Olympics in Detroit, Michigan for Baton Twirling. She is the Captain of Naples Sunsation Twirlers and a member of Baton Twirling Unlimited. However, she only competed in solo events at the Jr. Olympics. On the 31st of July, Tami took the Podium by storm. She donned 4 medals by the end of the day.
Basic Strut was announce first and Tami won a SILVER MEDAL. Tami was thrilled. The competition was tough. These are the best of the best trying to get the Gold. Silver is not too shabby.
Next, they announced Military and it was a large group of competitors. Tami's name was announced last. She won the GOLD MEDAL!
Tami gave a thumbs up to the audience with a huge smile. Obviously, Tami was pleased with her performance.
Fancy Strut awards were next. Tami was again announced last. Another GOLD MEDAL! Her Mom/Coach said "If all that's Gold Glitters, Tami shined like the sun today. She's worked really hard just like every other twirler here but Tami has had an awesome day"!
Finally, the Solo Twirling medals were awarded and Tami took 7th, a Copper Medal. She was elated! Most of these girls have been twirling for a long time but Tami has only twirled for 2 years. 7th is an incredible place considering the number of twirlers in the event.
Tami's primary Coach, Roseann Lahey (and yes, also her Mom) was overjoyed at her performances. "Tami has more raw talent than I ever did and twice the heart. That's what makes her a true Champion"!
Her Dad, Keith Lahey, a Master Technician and Shop Foreman for Firestone of Naples, said "I am so happy that she felt she did well. Her placement doesn't matter to me. It's all about how she feels when she walks off. But the Medals are great"!
When all the awards were given out, Tami looked like the cat that ate the canary. All smiles, carrying some extra weight, and saying "I feel like I am on top of the world". She hugged her father and said "Ya know what Dad? I can do anything"!
Tami's teacher from baton twirling unlimited said "I see medals! I want pictures for the website. You did so well"!
Tami's brothers Chris and Gator were really impressed by the bling! They support her, always.
Tami would like to thank the people that supported her...
Rose Evancik, Iselin, NJ
You really made this happen! I hope I made
you proud. I know I made Ho-Ho proud. He's
always there for me ( like you are), no
matter what! I love you.
Golden Gate Firefighters, Naples, FL
GGFF are the BEST! They not only saved
my house BUT they helped me get to the
Jr. Olympics! My medals ARE their medals.
No one rewards them for saving lives and
homes. They don't get trophies or medals.
I'll bet they don't even get a thank you very
often. I don't care what anyone says, my
GGFF's are Heroes, in so many ways!
Jim Hart, Naples, FL
What an Awesome QB for the St. Louis
Cardinals and Pro-Bowl QB. Most important,
he believed in me! Jim believed in ME! He's
incredible. He didn't know me but he
believed in me. That's a real man!
Tim and Karen Mullin, Roseland, NJ
The best hockey player I know and Karen,
my aunt, who can put him back together
again! Uncle Tim is like Humpty Dumpty!
Ann and Bernie Jones, Iselin, NJ
My Aunt Mimi is the best aunt anyone can
have! She's always there. Point blank!
Don and Maureen Wyzykowski, Edison, NJ
I can only hope you know how much I love
you both!
Mike and Joyce Andrioli, Scotch Plains, NJ
Thank you so much for your help! You
are so great.
Mayor Bill Barnett Naples, FL
It takes a big man to help a little girl achieve
her goals. You, Mayor Bill helped me do
that. I brought 2 GOLD MEDALS back to
Naples. I want to help you make Naples a
Gold Medal Community! AND I WILL help
you do that!
Former Gov. Jeb Bush, Coral Gables, FL
Although not in office, you helped me get
there! How cool is that?
Ken Mashintonio, Florida Motor Sports,
Naples, FL
I know you smiled when I got my medals
and I know no one had to call you!
You just knew! You are so very important
to me! I hope you know that.
that!
http://www.fl-motorsports.com
Eileen Mashintonio, Home Watch and
More, Naples, FL
You believed in me and that is so important.
When you're ready to throw sticks, call me!
http://www.HomeWatchAndMore.com
Firestone, Tampa District
David, you really helped! I appreciate all you
did to help me. Firestone rulz!!!!!!!!!
Barry Newman, Naples, FL
Wow, a member of the Crests would help
support me. You are just a great guy who
really cares. You are too cool!!!!!!!
http://www.2bproductions.net
My Medals really belong to all of us living here, in wonderful Naples. Naples, FL is the best place to live in the world.
Tami's GOLD is Naples GOLD. It wasn't just me up there. You were all standing there, behind me. We won it together! From the get go, we were all in this together!
That's What it's all About! Naples Rocks!!!
This GOLD"s for.... I bet you thought I would say you.......... but, NO! This GOLD is for GGFF................. they are the heroes! They so own this.