You have to love what you do to maintain yourself in it effectively. I love what I do. I am sitting here in Finland working but found out I am not working. LOL Short story with a lot of details.
Let me tell you something, Olympic trials in any country is taxing. And this is where DJ's story begins. I left home in June 24th, and I have been home for all of one night since. US trials was tragic. Here is a brief recap of my 2 weeks in Eugene.
Up first was Torri, the queen. She did her job in grand fashion. A stunning 10.78 in the semi finals is still my lasting memory from the week. It was nice to see her come together right on time because it was looking shaky a few weeks earlier. In the final she got in hurry producing a less than perfect performance. Taking second she qualified and the smile on her face could not have been broader. It has been a long 4 years for her, and making THIS team was part of a final vindicating act.
In the background we had a breakthrough of Alexis Weatherspoon. She managed an 11.08 in the quarter final to make it back to the semi. Pleasantly surprised. All DJ could do was smile, laugh and try to keep the train rolling, hell one more breakthrough and she was looking at a possible trip to Beijing. All good things come to an end, she did not make the final.
Next Leroy Dixon was up. The man in the boot. A talented young man that has yet to realize his own potential, but when he does we all will know. Despite his hurdles and obstacles he made the final, gave a windy 9.99 performance to boot. He had the classic question following the final, as we walked he looked at me and asked, "How does 9.99 get you 6th place?" Welcome to the US trials, the hardest track meet in the world. He still earned his spot and will be making his second straight appearance on a US national team.
Then came David. Mr Neville was always the favorite for the third spot once Angelo opted for the hurdles but no one paid attention, and the TV talking heads were not on their job. In the final he had his favorite lane, 8. lol Coming off of 300 there he was in the lead, and at the line he was an US Olympian. In a pr of 44.63. gratifying is the word here, little known fact, this is John's pride and joy, the 400, nothing makes him prouder.
A word on my boy K Ferg. The young man had the hardest year of anyone. His dad suffered and died from cancer. He got hurt indoors. All in all it took its toll on him, we did not have enough training time, and his fathers illness was too much of a distraction for him to overcome. He will be back next year.
So the second weekend was another emotional moment. My man Ryan Wilson had a great year training, and on June 8th he strained his adductor and psoas, we thought it would be a week, it just got better yesterday. The first round was the first all out hurdle session we had run since his injury. We were just trying to squeeze are way into the final and then see what happened. In the end he could not talk his way around the injury and pain. Again, he will be back. Soon.
Torri looked like a million going in to the 200 but the fatigue and turns were too much. She drew lane one for the final and we pulled her out. Her health was more important out there.
So Monday it was home, wash, sleep, errands, plane to London. UK trials coming up.
Tyrone Edgar,was number 2 going in and the 1st rd was easy. The semi the next day looked great until I found him laying on a table in the back with a lost puppy dog look. Something was wrong with his hamy. Trainers said he was fine, we got up and went to work. He just could not open up, the leg was restricted. He took fourth by a nose. He is still dealing with it right now, disappointed to say the least.
Then it was my queens turn. She had been battling herself since she got to London and all looked to be on the upswing, then the gun went off. Three hurdles were vintage, and after that the race went flat.
So I am in Finland now with the Saudis. Got her last night and found out today none of my boys are qualified because their relay time was not certified. The one guy I do coach that is qualified does not want to go. Now I appreciate the opportunity, but I no longer have a reason to be here. I have Tyrone and Tasha in London needing specific attention, and the facilities there perfect. A good dilemma to have but I have to resolve this issue tomorrow.
So we are all caught up. I am preparing folks for Beijing, not sure DJ will be in Beijing yet though. LOL Irony.
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