By Sarah Barrett.

So my friend Alex throws discus, and she’s amazing. Alex might look familiar to those of you that don’t already know her because I’ve photographed her before. In case you missed her beautiful shoot with her husband, you can check it out here. This shoot was definitely much different from the formal dress and suit styled photos I took last time. This shoot was also the very last one that Cindy and I did together before she moved to Colorado, so it was extra special for us. I should preface this blog by saying I know absolutely nothing about discus throwing, so my lingo could be totally off. I’ve even been known to spell discus wrong. So, if you know anything about this sport, I hope you can laugh if anything is wrong.

I had never even heard of throwing discus or seen it before, so when she asked if I would take photos of her throwing, I was SO excited. Alex has been training for the Olympics just so you can get an idea of how crazy great she is at this. Her dad has really helped her get to the place she is today, so he was there at our shoot as well as her husband, David. Seeing them support her and help her was something I know meant so much to her.

Alex is probably one of the most humble people I know. Knowing nothing about this sport, I knew she liked sports and enjoyed doing this, but I had no idea she was training for the Olympics good. She’s definitely not the bragging type. But I will totally brag about her for a minute.

I met Alex when I started attending my church in late 2019. She didn’t even know me, but I was invited to her annual Halloween party that my sister in law Cindy would put on with her. She was one of the first people to invite Zach and I over for dinner after our move from Georgia, and I will never forget how kind she has been to me. Moving is always hard, but my move from Georgia to California was pretty rough emotionally for me because of the friends I left behind. Finding new friends seemed hopeless at times. Alex was always someone that would remind me that there are people here that are great. I am so thankful that I can call her a friend. It was such an honor to watch her in her element. Watching her throw on that field was just incredible. She is incredibly fit and graceful. The strength that she has blew me away (as someone who gets sore from a few push ups, you could say I was impressed). I’m so glad I was able to see her in person.

To Alex: thank you for letting me be a part of this! I had so much fun watching you. I hope you love your photos and can remember your beast mode days fondly. I also want to thank you for being such a great example of Christ to me and being a great friend when I didn’t have any here. You are a huge blessing in my life and the lives of those around you.