The one thing that people fail to realized about athletes, especially track athletes, is the amount of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that we as athletes put into achieving a goal. A goal in track and field, unless you are a sprinter or distance runner, will not be that beneficial or financially lucrative. For some that goal can vary from being a National, World, or even an Olympic Champion, some would just want to make a team, any team. The time that is put in to achieve these goals are endless, separating some from family friends, sometimes with little or no time for a social life. Some athletes, including myself chase our dreams with no real financial backing or support. Waiting for that one opportunity or big break/PR to find a sponsor or make a team. Not only that, but lets not forget the numerous bills that non-sponsored athletes accrue for maintenance on their bodies or health care could amount to making just enough money to get by once bills are paid. Some would ask, WHY? And FOR WHAT? But they would never understand the passion for something that one loves. Goals as a person moves on in their career and get older sometime can seem more and more like an eternity away, but when you’ve been so close that keeps you going until you can’t go anymore. I’ve made sacrifices in/for this sport and I’m sure I will do it again. Will I accomplish my goals or help someone else accomplish theirs in the process? Only time will tell, but I guess either way it would all depend on the sacrifice.

written by lamontdagen