After a week of watching reports of Americans murdering each other, I needed today.
I'm spending weekend volunteering as an anti-doping escort at the Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene. What that means is that I am assigned to a 1-4 place finisher of a finals event and when they came off the track I introduce myself then stay in visual contact with them until I can escort them to the drug testing area.
The experience allowed me up close observations of amazing physical and mental performance, viewing the spectrum of emotions that come with working for four years to either achieve a dream, see it slip away, be elated to be one of the best in your field.
I had the pleasure of escorting the 4th place finisher of the women’s javelin. Her last throw moved her into 4th missing making the US team by a meter, well below her personal best. As I stood my distance seeing her disappointment, receiving support from family and friends she remained tearfully gracious. A dream lost, but memories made. I hope she is able to soon feel pride in her ability and being one of the best in her profession.
I was honored to escort the 4th place finisher of the men’s 200m. A high school kid who set a high school record. His excitement and joy was infectious. I couldn’t help but smile, as I observed the other volunteers doing, as he made his way through the crowd, signing autographs, taking selfies with young fans. My wish for him was that he savored the moment, he is the future.
Finally, I witnessed the pure joy of dedication, hard work, mental toughness result in an unbelievable accomplishment, Bernard Lagat at age 41, out kicking runners 6 to 16 years younger in the 5000. This is a man who is beloved in the Eugene track world. I don’t think anyone expected him to place top 3. The noise that Hayward Field crowd displayed as he moved into first place in the final 100 meters was awesome. His joy, excitement when he crossed the finish line unparalleled at this Trials.
I needed today. We are sending an American team to the Olympics who some are Christian, but all are Americans. They are of many faiths, many colors, many backgrounds. I needed to know that Americans don’t murder each other. That we are a nation not for Christians, but a nation of humans. Humans who celebrate our achievements, who support us in our sorrows, who bring us hope for our future, who cheer for us no matter our faith, belief or color.
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