the story of my life part 4

Chapter: The Price Behind the Podium (continued)

After the Games ended, Josephine returned home with a medal and a smile for the cameras—but inside, the weight of that personal loan lingered. The celebration was brief. Reality crept in fast.

I found out about the loan by accident—Josephine never wanted to worry anyone. She was trying to manage repayments quietly, even skipping meals again to stretch what little money she had left.

It was heartbreaking. This wasn’t the legacy the Games were supposed to leave behind.

So I stepped in. I covered the loan—not for praise, not for thanks—but because I knew the system had failed her. She was left to carry the financial burden of a team, a club, and a dream that should’ve supported her fully. And she wasn’t alone. Others in her club faced the same impossible choice: go into debt or stay behind.

No one from Special Olympics Ireland ever followed up. No phone call. No check-in. No offer of support or reimbursement. The focus had moved on. But for Josephine, the scars stayed.

Even today, more than a decade later, I still send care packages to her. Because I know how much she gave, how much she lost, and how little was given back in return.

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