Inspiration

Sometimes people ask what inspires me. Well today at practice I heard a story about a runner who is a fellow member of Team USA: Lopez Lomong. I'm going to tell a very brief version of his story, but I think you should definitely check out his profile at NBCOlympics.com. What an amazing person...

Lopez was kidnapped when he was six years old from his village in Sudan. After spending some time in a prison camp, he managed to escape to Kenya (a 3-day run) to a refugee camp where he spent the next 10 years. He learned how to write and entered as essay contest with the prize being adoption by a US family. He won and ended up in upstate New York where he learned about such luxuries as clean, warm, running water and electricity. He joined the track team, received a scholarship to Arizona, and made the 2008 Olympic Team!

On days when the pool is really cold, the mornings are really dark, the practice is really long, and it seems like you can do nothing right, one thing that really helps is a little perspective. The struggles I've been through seem pretty small in comparison to what this Olympian has overcome. I am both honored and inspired to be representing the same country as this incredible individual.

Only 10 days till Opening Ceremonies...