Hello everyone,
Yes it happened Team USA took home first a gold medal in the women's 4x4 and then also gold in the men's 4x4 relay. It was a pleasure to see the USA Team end on such a good note. After some earlier disappointments on the track, we had been put down by the media stating that we weren't having a good Olympics. But in reality we were having an awesome Olympic Games with the women's side taking home the most medals since 1996. Who would have thought that was the case!
My experience here has definitely been the highlight of my life. I accomplished my dream of prticipating in the Olympics and bringing home a medal. I totally enjoyed the nervous feelings and runner's high that one would get and I know that I will continue to train for the next 4 years for 2012. I guess once your in one olympics it gets addicting and pushes you to want to do more.
That night as we all prepared to walk out to the track we knew that we had a game plan, we weren't going home empty handed. We were on the same team, and we would come together to make the USA proud. The previous night for the 4x400 relay prelim we were going to run myself to Natasha to Monique to DeeDee, but 10 minutes before we realized that DeeDee couldn't go. That is why you always want to have your whole team including alternates warm up and be ready to go. The coaches let us know the new order Mary, Monique, Natasha and Sanya. We were all sad that former Olympian DeeDee was unable to run due to her existing knee problem, but we still had her support and prayed as the team headed out. We ran the prelim and set up the team for the final...which I will now get too!!!!
The stadium was so packed and which had our adrenaline running...we were ready. I had the job again of leading Team USA with first leg. I patiently waited as the starter announced for us to get in the blocks...it was Time, Time to dream, Time to start...uhhh does that line sound familiar. Your right the opening line to the Home Depot Commercial. Interesting how things work out...I didn't know that I would be first leg when I shot the commercial. Our competitiors included the teams from Russia, Jamaica and Great Britain. I heard the gun and knew that I had to keep my team in position. I held my leg down and stayed in good position....I was able to hand off before some of the other girls who had made it to the 400 meter final. I was able to hand the baton to Allyson. She ran a great leg passing the Jamaican and handed off to Monique. Monique held the lead but was passed by the Russian in the last 70 meters and she still stayed strong and handed off to Sanya. There was no giving up between Sanya and the Russian. We crossed the line first in the fastest time in 15 years. We did it.
It was a wonderful feeling and we immediately embraced and thanked the Lord. I could not have asked for better teammates. They are all great and talented girls. I am happy to have made history wih them and look forward to more relays together.
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