Monday, July 30, 2012

Going for Gold: Allyson Felix’s “Journey”

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.”

25 comments:

  1. I love that the Olympics make for easy blogging material :)

    I love Allyson and can't wait to watch her and everyone else on T&F. I am crossing my fingers that the relay teams don't have any baton issues this year!

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  2. LOVE the video! Can't wait to watch the other athletes' videos.

    I watch whatever is on when I'm on, but I make a point of watching swimming, gymnastics (men and women), and this year I'm excited to watch more running events. Last time around, I wasn't yet a runner and didn't give a crap about watching it. Now I'm excited. : )

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  3. Those darn P&G ads get me too! Box of Kleenex please!

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  4. Damn. I just realized I'll be out of town and boating the day of the woman's marathon. ugh. I've known so many runner Olympians before this year!

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  5. I'm not sitting on the couch watching, but I AM watching! For once, I have every TV in the house turned on, usually to a different Olympic channel and then as I walk around doing my thing I can see what's going on where. It's wonderful this time around because my kids are getting into it - they were too young before, I guess. Kayaking? I can't get over it! I never even knew it was an Olympic sport before but I'm watching it like I've always been a fan!

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  6. I LOVE the Olympics, always have, but now that I am a runner (new in the past 3 of my 47 years of life), I can't wait to see the track events, and especially the marathon. This November, I will be running my first marathon.

    I am lucky enough to work from home. So I've been sitting here at my computer typing with the tv on mute watching as much of the events as I can. I love it all! Today I enjoyed watching the canoe slalom (kayaking), and am really really enjoying the volleyball, both indoor and beach.

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  7. It's so bad I actually have the TV going and when the kids are around I'm using a projector to pump a live feed on the wall above the TV. #olympicsgeek

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  8. "Chief photo finish judge Roger Jennings determined that Tarmoh was the third-place finisher, but then because of the gravity of the race and importance of the third-place finish in the Olympic Trials, "protested'' his own decision and asked for a review."


    USATF: So, Roger ... looking at the Finish Line Photo, who won?
    RJ: The girl on the bottom
    USATF: You sure?
    RJ: Yep, Lane One. By just a smidge, but Lane One
    USATF: Um, Roger look again
    RJ: I don't need to ... If I went back and read that photo 100 times, I would call it the same way every time
    USATF: Roger ... Lane One is NOT Allyson Felix
    RJ: F*ck

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    Replies
    1. Wish Tarmoh would have come back for a rematch!

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  9. Love Allyson Felix and can't wait to watch her race. But seriously, I'm pretty much addicted to the Olympics - I've been watching a little of everything.

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  10. I'm missing having television :( I like watching a lot of the different events. Love watching rowing...which seems boring to many. My PT is headed to London...she works on Alysia Montano. I'd love to see how 'her girl' does!

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  11. I'm the biggest Olympic junkie I know.....every 4 years, I care passionately about all kinds of wacky sports......water polo.....sculling.....kayaking......you name it, and I'll watch it! Now that there's multiple channels, and the ability to stream events live, I might not be leaving the house! And forget about it when the track events get started.....my poor wife! LOL

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  12. Of course I'm gonna be glued to the running events, especially the marathon, 10k and 5k...but I am definitely enjoying the swimming (you know...now that you know I swam in college and all :)). Missy Franklin actually goes to school where my daughter did and she lives nearby me. All the cool people live in the SE Denver suburbs...you must move down here! :)

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  13. So inspiring. Athletes like these are a good example.

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  14. Love the Olympics...I could watch it all day eery day! Really looking forward to the track and field, marathon and triathlon events as well, but really love it all!

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  15. Great video - I am also loving the commercials during the Olympics this year. During my treadmill run I put on The Olympics for some extra motivation - it worked!

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  16. I love equestrian, gymnastics, track and field and surprisingly diving. I had no clue until Sunday night that synchronized diving was a sport...but it was super interesting. I so envy the physiques of the athletes! Amazing.

    Good thing I just stocked up on my favorite single serving cups of ice cream! I'm prepared now.

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  17. Loved the video and what a great job by AT&T to incorporate all their little bits in there of what they can do with their phone.

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  18. "Mom, I think I love the girls beach volleyball the best. When they wear bathing suits."--my son, Owen Pettis, age 8.

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  19. Me, watch elite athletes at the top of their game? ...YES! Love gymnastics, swimming, distance running & sprint events, but love watching all of these amazing athletes. Loving my TIVO!

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  20. The video was great thanks for sharing. Who could not love watching the Olympics. I like the gymnastics, swimming and track and field.

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