Olympic Trials, Olympic Dreams

We are a nation of incredible talent.  Talent in every area of life, and that certainly carries over into athletes and those who play/compete in Olympic sports. Olympic Trials have begun, and this week the big three -- Track & Field, Gymnastics and Swimming -- are all taking place.  

Trials are such an amazing, yet challenging time for every athlete. Because no matter how good you are or how many world records, world championship, or Olympic golds you may have, when it comes to swimming and track and field, all that matters is you HAVE to qualify by touching the wall or crossing the finish line in the top 2 or top 3, respectively. Your record or potential contribution don't factor into it. You place at Trials or you don't compete at the Games.

The pressure and tension at swimming's Olympic Trials is so incredibly intense.  I remember my Olympic Trials like it was yesterday...even though it was more than 20 years ago. The moment you step onto that pool deck, you can actually feel the weight of what you're about to attempt.  So much work has gone into getting to this moment, and so many dreams are at stake. In most elite swimming races in the U.S., the top eight finalists could go on to the Olympics and win a medal.  So touching the wall first or second at the U.S. Olympic Trials is an incredible feat, and often a feeling and moment an athlete remembers better than the Games, themselves. 

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the finals to begin in Omaha. GO USA!