A final reflection on the track and field trials.
The television shows us the winners, first, second and third place finishers, jubilant, excited. Today I witnessed fourth through eighth. As I waited in the recovery room where the athletes come after their event, I saw what Paul Harvey would say "is the rest of the story.”
For track and field athletes, the Olympic year is where they set their sites. Making an Olympic team in the eyes of many outside the track and field world means they are a success. There are far too many non-Olympians who go unrecognized for their successes.
As fourth through eighth entered the recovery area I saw red eyes from tears of disappointment, I saw an individual so exhausted from his race and years of training unable get up from the floor for nearly 30 minutes. I saw others who just stared into space, packing up their gear and disappearing out of the area.
Several of them spent what must have seemed like an eternity answering media questions like “What happened today?" "Were you pleased with your effort?” “What would you have done differently” “Was this your last race?” Everyone of them answered their questions with grace. How many million dollar athletes would be just as gracious after losing the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA championship?
That’s one of the reasons I love track and field, the athletes are humble, appreciative and authentic.
Some of the first consolers of these fine athletes were their fellow athletes. Competitors just minutes prior, they now hugged, gave words in emotional solitude only they could impart and accept. There is a sorority/fraternity among these athletes built on the initiation of years of dedicated hard work in pursuing a common dream.
Each of these individuals are among the best in their field. Yet they will get minimal recognition. Most are subsiding on poverty wages from their chosen sport, relying on the generosity of family, friends and the world of online fundraising to pursue their dream. Though I was sad for them, I didn’t feel sorry for them. I knew they had family, friends, loved ones waiting to tell them how awesome they had performed, how proud they were of them. No, I didn’t feel sorry, I felt admiration. Admiration that they had the courage to pursue their dream. Putting careers, family, social life on hold to see what they could accomplish with the gift they possessed. How many of us can say we did they same?
These individuals are champions in their own right.
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