First, I'm from Miami and I used to travel to Indianapolis when I was young, to compete in the judo nationals when it was hosted there. I've been there 4 times and loved it every time. I remember being downtown and walking the streets at 11pm. They were clean and the tall buildings fascinating to me. It's been about 15 - 17 years ago, my last trip there.

There is a plus to being in the city and of course there are problems. I slip away to my mother's in the heart of Georgia about once a year. It's good for about a week, then I miss the pace/beat of Miami. I hate the thieves down here, our biggest problem. Our gangs are not as organized as most big cities and they stay to their areas mostly.

I had the choice in 2008 to relocate to Texas, a state I truly love. But I decided to stay here and raise my son. I was born here, this is my city; not some gang-banger's city. Whenever I hear gunshots, I think positive and smile, as I say to myself, "One less thief we have to deal with."