Family and friends gather to wish Shannon well in Beijing
On Saturday, August 2, 2008, about 150 of Shannon's family, friends and professional associates gathered at the Rowbury's Rockin' R Microdude Ranch for swimming, music and a barbeque in celebration of Shannon's amazing accomplishment of making the Olympic Team.
Shannon's Cousin Jenny, who suffered a traumatic brain injury at 6 months of age, sang two songs for Shannon. The first song, "I hope you Dance" by LeeAnn Womack was a song that Shannon's high school coach, Andy Chan, dedicated to her. The second song, "Gold" was a song that Jenny sang during the Special Olympics. Our friend, Spencer Allen, recorded the songs and uploaded them on YouTube. Below are the links if you want to hear the songs:
- YouTube: Cousin Jenny Sings "I Hope You Dance" to Shannon
- YouTube: Cousin Jenny Sings "Gold" to Shannon
Spencer also conducted an interview with Shannon where she had to field some tough questions from family and friends. You can check out the interview as well as get a glimpse of the days festivities by clicking on the following link:
Before the end of the party, Shannon got in one last "competition" in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games by participating in a whipped cream / bubble gum blowing contest. It was a very tough field consisting of about 10 people of all ages. Sadly, Shannon lost to a 12 year old boy, Gavin Kinahan. But like the true competitor that she is, as you can see from the picture, Shannon dove in face first and put her heart and soul into it.
As Shannon gears up to take on the world in Beijing, we would like to encourage everyone to express their thoughts, love and/or well wishes on this website page so that Shannon can carry your messages with her in cyberspace during her travels. If you would like to write something to Shannon, please click on the "comments" link below, scroll down the page to type in your note and click on "post". The last step to complete your message is to type in the "secret" letter and number sequence that appears in the window, then click "continue".
We love you Shannon and we wish you great speed and an incredible adventure in Beijing!
Gary, Paula and Hannah (the pool dog) Rowbury
Hi Shannon,
Have been watching the Olympics every day and can't imagine what an exciting experience this must be for you and your family! Congratulations on becoming an Olympian and RUN LIKE THE WIND on Saturday!!! My family, friends and folks in Schering Plough across the USA will be cheering you on.
Much love and Hugs,
Sharon Davis in Sunnyvale CA
Posted by: Sharon Davis | August 19, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Shannon! I'm so excited for you - good luck! We'll be rooting for you in Salt Lake!
Posted by: Joanne | August 19, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Best of luck Shannon! It's been so exciting to watch you run and understand just how much you deserve all the success that's come your way. Congratulations and have fun!
Posted by: Shelley F | August 11, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Shannon, we are so proud of you and your efforts. We gathered the clan to watch you smoke 'em in Eugene. Our thoughts are with you as you get ready to do it again in Beijing! All our best wishes for your success.
Posted by: Jim and Linda Myers and family | August 10, 2008 at 03:31 PM
We're all pulling for you, Shannon! Keep doing what you've been doing all the while, you'll do great! You're a blast to watch race!
Best of luck and go for the gold!
Posted by: Diana Palka | August 08, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Congratulations Shannon. I'm a running enthusiast and a big supporter of woman's athletics and I have been pulling for you since you ran your 4:01:61. I would be so excited if you won an Olympic Medal, which I think is absolutely going to happen. Do your best, give it your all. No matter what happens we are all proud of you.
Thanks for returning American women's distance running to the forefront.
Posted by: Michael Forman | August 08, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Who would have thought that getting some different cardio exercise apart from Irish Dancing would have led you to the Olympics? You know I had plans for you to be a World Champion, it just wasn't in running! This is so awesome, enjoy every minute, We can't wait to see you on the podium! Go for the gold Shannon!!!!!!!! All my love, Noreen
Posted by: Noreen Heavey | August 05, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Hi Cousin
We are so thrilled for you. Revel in the entire experience and do as you always do .... your best.
We'll be watching! We can't wait.
Love
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny Hillebert | August 05, 2008 at 08:23 PM
oh and one more thing...Let us know if there are more Chinese restaurants in Beijing than there are in the sunset ok?
:)
Go get em!
D
Posted by: Dave Mariottini | August 05, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Dear Shannon & Team Rowbury,
Wishing you all the best in Beijing! May all of your hard work & preparation for these 2008 Olympics lead you towards achieving your best! May you enjoy all the sites, sounds & colors of Beijing, especially Gold! This is it!
快速地跑!
Dave
:)
Posted by: Dave Mariottini | August 05, 2008 at 10:24 AM