Paintball Games International
Issue 204 APR 06
WHY I QUIT DYNASTY FOR THE IRONMEN
"...this was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and probably will ever have to do in my lifetime. I didn't want to tell one or two of tham and let it start leaking out, 'cause that is something you just could not hold a secret about."
I know this comes as a shock to everyone, including me. I never once thought that what I have accomplished and built with Dynasty would ever come to an end. This has hit me like a ton of bricks and I have had to make the decision of a lifetime. This choice was the hardest thing I have ever encountered; there are no words to describe the feeling of looking into the eyes of your best friends, that you have done so much with, and come so far with, knowing what you are about to say will undoubtedly effect them.
When something of this magnitude comes your direction, you have to weigh your options and think about what you have done, and your future. For some people when all this is said and done they will be able to pack it up and have something to fall back on, not me. At this point in my life all I have is paintball, I have won every tournament and title that there is to win, not once, twice but three and four times, all by the age of 23. I have done some of the most amazing things, and been to the most amazing places, and met the greatest people in the world.
This is a giant step for me to secure my future and one day, have the opportunity to provide for my family, and live a healthy comfortable life. You never know what lies in your future or what obstacles will jump in your way, and you have to be prepared. Paintball is all I have and I need to make something of the cards I have been dealt.
This raises the standard of paintball and will be revolutionary in the growth of this sport. We play this sport for the love of the game, but we continue with delusions of grandeur, of what this sport may be one day, and all dream of being a professional paintball player who gets paid to do what they love to do.
This raises the bar, and sets a precedent, for individuals in our sport. I will truly be the first professional paintball player, and pave the road for all the talented kids who will one day be in my position.
I thank all my fans and people that have supported me in the past and will continue to be honest with them, with out them, I could never have pushed myself to become who I am. I appreciate them for everything. I am still the same person, who loves to help people and will continue to be an icon and ambassador for the sport we all love, and none of that will change.
I hope you continue to support me, and my decision, for I will continue my crusade to make this sport accepted within the public?s eye. The end goal being, acceptance and understanding, so that one-day paintball will be considered a professional sport.
What all my best friends have told me is ?you have to do what?s best for yourself,? and this is what is best. I will be playing on the Ironmen and working for Dye from this day forward. I will continue to have the same outlook and perspective on paintball that I have now. I have a huge Heart and want to continue to do my best to win tournaments and promote this wonderful sport that we all revolve our lives around. Friends understand that you are put on this earth for yourself and what?s best for you, and if you don?t respect that and acknowledge this, you are not a true friend. Thank you for understanding. This is my life and my choice, I need to pursue my happiness.
Ollie Lang
Ironmen |
