I was completely disconnected from the world since last week Wednesday. Between building Christmas presents, trying to pack and get organized for the holidays and being sick I had no idea what was going on in the outside world. Apparently I missed a huge story! 

When I came into work this morning I heard the news that Suzy Favor-Hamilton had lost her endorsements and spokesperson jobs. Bryan shot a look at me and said, "Did you hear about that?" I was of course lost and he told me about the story that broke last Thursday about Suzy being a high priced escort. He then told me to go to our news section on wdez.com to read more about it because the whole story was pretty unbelievable. 

As I was reading the news stories my mind drifted back to all the times I've worked with Suzy over the past 4 years and how I could not imagine her doing something like that with a successful career and a beautiful family. But as I read her personal comments about the reasons behind her choices I also remembered her bouts with depression years before I had met her and the stress of imperfection she had dealt with during her Olympic years and even the eating disorder she struggled with when she was young. I realized that there is so much more to a person than the face they put on when they are working. I have only had contact with Suzy in relation to work never on a personal level so I don't really know her. The Suzy I know is spunky and peppy and happy all the time. She is always smiling and trying to make others happy.

Her desire to please others is something that she actually addressed in her Haley Heston profile under the name "Kelly Lundy". Her profile also mentions that discretion is extremely important to her yet she told some clients her true identity.

She was betrayed by one of these clients she confided in and approached in a hotel. Initially she denied the allegations, but later admitted she in fact was Kelly. However, it was only a matter of time, if it hadn't been a reporter approaching her it could've been law enforcement soon. Haley Heston Private Collection, the illegal escort service has been under investigation by Nevada police and the FBI due to the fact it operates over state lines. The connection of Hamilton with the site had been discovered so it would not have been long before Suzy would most likely be facing prosecution for prostitution. At least now she may be able to work out a deal to take down Haley Heston.

I am so disappointed as I am sure many others are that this woman who I personally have looked up to and enjoyed knowing for a number of years could be leading a double life like this. And her poor husband must be beyond embarrassed since he knew about it and tried to get her to stop. I do wish the best for her and I hope she finds the help that she needs to get through this. She is not a bad person she just made bad choices and she admits it was a "huge mistake."

*Click the Kelly Lundy picture above to visit the Smoking Gun website

*Click here to see her Haley Heston profile 

*Photos HH Private Collection via The Smoking Gun