Owen Sound athlete Jason Crone came to a decision recently, electing to step back from his participation with Canada’s National Wheelchair Rugby team.
The decision was formally announced this week to Bayshore Broadcasting, but in truth, the actual decision is a month or more older.
After representing Canada for a second time at the Paralympic Games in London, England in September, Crone knew he was approaching a choice that would be difficult.
While he’s still among the youngest members of the squad, Crone has a half dozen years now behind him in the sport at the elite level.
There’s no question there were great moments on the court and around the team, in fact, departing after two successful Paralympic games with a Bronze & Silver and physically removing himself from the friends he had made along the way was the toughest part of this decision.
But by the same token, Crone through his never ending travel for camps, competitions and international junkets believed he’s also missed things in life along the way.
So now, by departing the extraordinary experiences his ability has created, Jason Crone is in position now to experience every day, day to day, life.
He may try tack & field. Who knows what else will attract his competitive juices ?
But for now, after 6 years in the fold, Owen Sound’s Jason Crone is stepping back from a consuming sporting activity to be himself.
I’m Fred Wallace