# @helen_maroulis on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DNKPcasO3BZ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33275089-helen-maroulis-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f9fa6abdad.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-08-10T04:39:07.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Helen Maroulis OLY (@helen_maroulis) — https://gondola.cc/helen_maroulis

## Caption

One year ago today, I won my third Olympic medal.
It still feels surreal.

After my semifinal loss, I went to cut weight. I called both my parents and neither answered. I was sad, not because losing is the end of the world, but because I truly believed I could win gold, and I wanted to share that joy with them. At the same time, I couldn’t stop crying from gratitude that I even had this opportunity again.

Two days before competition, I invited them to watch me train. I know they think I’ve never really been the same since the head injuries. And while my parents support me 100%, I know they’d be just as happy if I retired. I wanted to show them what I’d been trusting God with and that I’m better than I’ve ever been. And I was, it just didn’t result in the outcome I wanted. That’s okay because while outcome goals are good to have, it’s who you become in the process that makes it truly worthwhile. 

That night, I texted my dad (whose birthday was two days before). 

I said: 

“I wanted to give you a gold medal for your birthday. I’m sorry.”

He replied:

“Helen, you are my gold medal. I don’t need nothing else. And you don’t have to prove nothing to me or the world. let your record and you as a person speak for itself. Love you💕”

I cried. Then I wrote in my journal:

“God, if these last four years of my life was just to lead to this loss to hear these words then it was worth it.”

I’ve been hesitant to share this because I don’t mean for this to come across as needing love or approval or validation from my parents. No, it’s just that losing opened a door for this conversation and it was beautiful to have. 

Today when I thought of what to post about the Olympic experience, it wasn’t just getting my hand raised or receiving the medal that came to mind. It was the loss, the tears, the tough conversations,, the beautiful moments…there’s goodness in all of it.

Really grateful for this beautiful journey 🫶🏼 So here’s to one year ago today!! 🥉

#olympics #olympicathlete #medalist #wrestling #love #journaling #memories #beautiful #moments #impact #paris2024 #family #healing #faith #father #daughter #relationships

## Stats

- **Views:** 90,938
- **Likes:** 18,596
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- **Comments:** 484

## Tags

faith, olympics, healing, family, medalist, father, daughter, memories, moments, journaling, wrestling, paris2024, olympicathlete, impact, relationships, love, beautiful

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