Barnesville native Dr. Nicole Detling Miller was still trying to find the words to describe her experiences with athletes at the Winter Olympics.
"I always dreamed of going to the Olympics in some capacity," she said.
Detling Miller is a sports psychologist currently working with the U.S. Speed Skating Team. She has worked with that team for two years, previously working with the U.S. ski team for six years.
The daughter of Rev. Tom and Bonnie Detling said she helps her clients enhance their performances through mental skills training.
She accompanied the team to Vancouver, Canada for the Winter Olympics Feb. 12-28 and lived in the Olympic Village.
"I experienced the entire range of emotions, even in one day," Detling Miller recalled. "It was everything I expected and more in good and bad ways."
Although she only saw the short and long track speed skating competitions, Detling Miller said she was cheering for all U.S. athletes and even non-American athletes.
During closing ceremonies, she went on stage with the USA athletes.
"That was so cool," she said. "I'm still trying to find the words to describe the passion and energy and how amazing the journey was."
Detling Miller brought back a USA hockey jersey signed by most of the team for her husband who is a big hockey fan.
"He was thrilled," she said. "It was a big deal for him."
For her two sons, she brought back moose ears worn at the closing ceremonies and snow globes with the location of the next Winter Olympics. Her five-year-old son took his Olympic backpack to school.
She also purchased an Olympic flag on E-bay prior to her trip and had as many athletes and coaches as possible sign it and include how many years they have competed in the Olympic games. Detling Miller plans to use the flag to inspire future Olympic athletes that she works with and add their names to it.
She said she took over 1,000 pictures and plans to create a scrapbook.
Detling Miller will be the speaker at the April 29 Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce banquet, an honor she says has brought the experience full circle.
"I am really flattered and excited. I hope by then I will be able to find the words to describe and share this experience," she said.
Detling Miller said many former classmates and neighbors from Barnesville followed her on Facebook and she has reconnected with many people because of her Olympic experience.
"I felt so much support," she said. Sharing this experience made it that much richer and more meaningful." "It is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
She continued, "This was the most successful Winter Olympics for the United States. They set the record for the most medals won by a single country. It was a humbling experience to be a part of something that amazing."
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