Courage with Legs
There is a story of determination, perseverance and courage unfolding at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials. If you haven't been following Lauren Fleshman you should be. Her story is incredibly inspirational. She hasn't made excuses or given in to naysayers, she's pushing through despite the odds. Back in October, after finishing 7th at the World Championships in the 5K, she felt pain in her knee. The pain, caused by IT Band Syndrome, ended up sidelining her for the next seven months. It reduced her training to swimming. In just the last month she started running again, only ten miles a week. Hardly the stuff, one would think, of an Olympic hopeful. But Lauren is tough and despite less than ideal training and with little hope, she decided to run at the Olympic trials on June 25th.
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Lauren ran the in second of two preliminary heats in 15:51.53, qualifying her to run in the finals tomorrow. Her display of grit and heart is inspirational, it is the stuff that dreams are made of.
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You can read Lauren's story in her own words HERE. And follow her on Twitter @LaurenFleshman.
Go Lauren!
--Sarah