Although she was innocent, the brush of accusation had smeared Jackie and her teammates. After the heartbreak and trauma of not being allowed to complete the competition in ’04, Jackie’s parents applauded her decision to stay with family friends near Beijing to continue her training.
During the three and a half years prior to the ’08 games, Jackie was granted permission to train with the Chinese gymnasts. As a dual citizen, Jackie became a member of the Chinese delegation, taking two Gold and two Silver medals in gymnastics, her specialty being the Uneven Bars.
Athletically, Mike is no slouch, either. With a whip-thin physique, at 6’1″ and 185 pounds, he had played college basketball and still enjoyed running whenever he could find the time. Although five years her senior, he didn’t look anywhere near his actual years. Mike was often carded at the bars well into his late twenties. Mike and Jackie dated for nearly eight months before he confessed his true age. When he finally did, she asked to inspect his driver’s license before she would believe his story. And that, of course, was a tremendous boost to his male ego.
Mike likes working as a traveling sales representative and visiting different parts of the country. He says the biggest perk is being able to occasionally slip away from his job for several days. No one would miss him being gone, as they might if working with him in an office. He could disappear for a long romantic weekend with Jackie, anytime he wants.
From: Emma Devlin
Subject: Hello
Date: May 13, 2018 7: 31p.m.
To: Brandon Devlin
(CLT): 4.92 sec
Hello, Sweetheart,
It is wonderful to hear from you. It already seems like you’ve been gone for weeks, but it’s only been two days. I arrived home from the launch this afternoon, it’s back to school tomorrow. I’m glad things are going so well and I can relate to the excitement. I wouldn’t be able to sleep with all that is going on up there, either.