Is only else sitting around all day eating ice cream on the couch and watching the Olympics? Okay, good, I’m glad I’m not the only one. I didn't even know I liked sculling until yesterday. Those Brits can get it bloody done!
But, I keep thinking - is it August 3rd yet? That’s when the Queen and I will be watching the United States compete in Olympic Track and Field events. Being a distance runner, the marathon (August 5th for women, August 12th for men) is always my favorite event. But, like the rest of the world, I get very caught up in what goes on at the the track. Disqualifications, world records, wipe outs, tears, and super-human speed – what’s not to like?
The U.S. sent a strong contingent of track and field athletes this year, and predictions are that we may top our 110 medal count from Beijing in 2008. One athlete in particular, has not been gold-lucky in her two past Olympic games (Athens and Beijing), but is determined to land gold this year in (at least) the 200 meter event.
After getting second place in Beijing, Allyson Felix states, “Silver can be defined in one word: motivation.” She has spent the last four years with one goal in mind: GOLD. She has had many successes, and in 2010 only lost one race.
At age 26, Felix will also be competing in the 100 meter, the 4x100 relay and the 4x400 relay. Nicknamed “Chicken Legs” in high school, this 5’6” 125 pound speedster doesn’t mess around. She does tons of strength training including leg pressing 700 pounds. Words she lives by - “I definitely feel God has a bigger plan, and we always make plans and always think we know best, but sometimes that's not the case."
AT&T has put together highlights of some of the U.S. Olympian’s stories called “My Journey.” You can check them all out HERE. Below is Allyson Felix’s journey in her own words. I’ve seen it several times, and it gives my goose bumps every.single.time. Watching sports is all fine and good, but when you put the personal story behind an athlete you get invested in a way you weren’t before.
Felix will compete in the 200 meter heats on August 6, then hopefully both the semi-finals and finals on August 7th and 8th. Don’t forget to grab the ice cream and settle in.
What did you think of the video?
Are you watching the Olympics? Which events are your favorites? I love gymnastics, cycling, triathlon, track/field and the marathon the best.
SUAR
Fine Print:
Per FTC disclosure regulations, this post is sponsored by AT&T’s video series “My Journey.”
