Track and Field Blogs - Dot McMahan

There was so much excitement going on the last few weeks that I put off writing this until now. I've been watching the Olympic Track and Field trials for quite a few years, but the thrill this year was on a whole new level. That was due in part to the excellent post race coverage and background stories on numerous websites like Flotrack. Although, it was mostly because I actually got to experience an Olympic Trial myself, first hand. I can identify with the daily dedication it takes and the sacrifices made year after year, just to earn the opportunity to toe the line of the first round. It's really overwhelming, reflecting back on all the focus and motivation that needs to be sustained, for the 4+ years, all leading up to a ONE shot chance. So, I now have my own Trials story, but there are so many other great stories out there too - enough to keep me going another 4 years.

As is the nature of competition, there are winners and there are losers. In addition, here with the Olympic Trials, there are those that make the team, and those that don`t make the cut. It was interesting to see how some of these successes and disappointments were handled - the right way. So, the one big thing that I took away from this year`s track and field trials was good sportsmanship. Here`s what I saw out there;

• Being modest when you win and being gracious when you lose.
  - Katie McGregor and Marshevet Hooker.
• Giving thanks to those who helped you along the way.
  - Abdi Abdirahman
• Knowing when to compete and when to be a friend with a training partner.
  - Kara Goucher and Nick Symmonds.
• Sharing the glory rather than taking it all for yourself.
  - Leonel Manzano, April Steiner-Bennett, Lauryn Williams.

I`m sure I could come up with more examples if I took the time to analyze this further. These are just a few that seemed obvious to me as I watched from my couch. It would seem that as adults we know what good sportsmanship is all about, but we can probably think of some that don`t. I hope other people saw what I saw and try to remember good sportsmanship the next time your friend beats you at a local road race. Don`t be a sore loser, tell them good job and pout when you`re alone. There`s always next time.