Lee sets sights on World Championships gold after Paris heartbreak
Still, Paris had its bright spots.
“It’s humbling to be able to compete for Team USA,” Lee said. “It was a super, amazing experience. I’m French, so being in Paris was a lot of fun, too. My family in France watched me compete for the first time… and the fans were cheering for me, as well.”
That mix of pride and disappointment has fuelled him since.
He’s hoping it will carry him to the top step of the podium this week in Zagreb.
“I took silver last year, so people… they’re looking to me to improve upon that. I, obviously, am as well,” Lee said. “It is difficult to remember that from last year and know that it’s a new year. I gotta get ready, I gotta take what’s next. Right now, that’s the World Championships.”
In preparation, Team USA staged a final training camp at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
By chance, another special setting for Lee.
“We leave tomorrow to head over to Ramstein,” he said in the days before departure. “My grandfather was stationed there, so I’ve heard good things about it. It’s the first time I’ll see it, so it’s kind of cool. I’m just excited to get ready one day at a time, stay relaxed, focus. You only got to be ready for one day – or one-and-a-half days if you’re successful.”