Dear USA Olympian Competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics,

Here’s to you and your insane routine. Here’s to the medal, you will hopefully win and here’s to the unforgettable memories you’ll get to make. Here’s to having the best time while you are in Rio; soaking in the incredible sights, sun, and the beautiful pristine beaches. Here’s to never forgetting what you are there for and not forgetting who you are representing. Here’s to the time of your life!

When you are there, remember that all of us “Little People” are rooting for you! We want you to win. You worked so hard and now it is your time to shine and show us all you’ve got. Whether you win the Gold, Silver, Bronze or not even place, we’ll stand by you and be proud and ecstatic either way! Every four years when the Olympics come around, I along with everyone else, get excited. I watch all of you on TV and get chills and smile as tears sometimes fill my eyes.

Remember that you are representing us as a country. We all get a new sense of Patriotism when you guys are there. Whether we are black or white, voting for Trump or Hillary, or live on the East or West coast, we are all on one side and that side is Team USA! You are giving the media a break for a little while from all of the negative press and giving them, something good to talk about! We get to hear the heartwarming stories of how hard you guys fought to get there, the adversity you beat out, and how you never once backed down from the challenge ahead!

You are the big celebrities right now. You are on every commercial, on cereal boxes, and just about everywhere you look. If you are veteran swimmer Michael Phelps or rookie gymnast Simone Biles or any other Olympian, don’t let all of this get to your head. Remain humble and kind through this experience. Don’t forget to call your mom and your family. When you get home, share your stories with a sense of pride, but not arrogance and most of all share the love through all of this.

Now, I’m not trying to tell you what to do and how to act, you know that, but these are reminders of the kinds of people that we look up to. Whether you swim, golf or cycle, are a gymnast, a diver, or a wrestler, you all are the best of the best and you all are quite amazing! The 2016 Rio Olympic Games have just begun and you have a chance to make these the best ones yet! Try your hardest and never give up. You are all winners in our eyes, now go out and destroy the competition. We are all rooting for you!

Love,

Your (Extended) USA Family