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Samantha Hayes ReportingEvery four years we see them in the spotlight, where mere seconds decide who goes home a champion. For every Olympic athlete, there is a story of inspiration, of something that made the difference between giving up and achieving success. U.S. Speedskater Ellie Ochowicz, who lives and trains in Salt Lake City, credits her relationship with her mother.
Ellie and Sheila Ochowicz share a special mother-daughter relationship and an Olympic connection. Before she set foot on the ice, before she won her first race, and before making the Olympic team, a young Ellie Ochowicz stood on a make-shift podium wearing a gold medal, the one her mother won in the 1976 Olympic Games.
Ellie Ochowicz, Speed Skater: "When I was younger, I didn't know what it meant. I knew gold was number one and it took me a while to really understand what those medals meant and to achieve them, to win something as beautiful as a gold medal."
Sheila Ochowicz, Mother & Gold Medalist: "Once you've been an Olympian, you want to share that experience with other people. And when Ellie made the Olympic team, especially this Olympic team, it brought tears to my eyes. One of my most joyful moments was when she made the 1000 meter event."
There have been many ups and downs since then, but no friend, no teammate, not even a coach, understands the challenges and struggles quite like mom.
Sheila Ochowicz: "Of course I understand what it took and howmuch training she puts into it to get here. For me it's not a concern whether she wins a medal or not. It's just, she has the advantage of bing able to participate and have a life-enhancing experience. I'm very proud."
Ellie Ochowicz: "After making my first Olympic team, it was very emotional for our family and for me. Just being able to accomplish a fraction of what she's done in her life meant a lot to me, and I'm sure to her as well."
Even though Ellie is a two time Olympian, just the sight of her mom at a race can make her nervous.
Ellie: "She has this whitie hat she wears. I told her not to wear it because I can easily pick her out. I don't like to see her because it makes nervous. I know she is there and rooting for me."
Find out more about the Ochowicz and other inspirational stories through Kleenex moments on www.nbcolympics.com
