We have had a great season and although it didn’t end with the total medal count we had hoped for and Lauren had set for herself.We supported her in her effort to attain it. It was an eventful meaningful experience.
Part 1 USATF Junior Olympics
Last season we made as a family the decision to embark on the quest for 6 Gold medals. We talked about it thoughout the season and ultimately thought it was a doable task. Over the next few months she began to run a few 400m as a part of training and by May the decision was made that she could run the 400m . Where the 400m would be run was the question. After looking at the schedules and locations of both Championship meets we decided that Lauren would run the 100m 200m and Long Jump at USATF The triple at AAU.
Lauren was sucessful at Association in the Long jump,100m amd 200m winning gold and she proceeded to Regionals winning 100m and 200m and taking 2nd in the Long Jump. She was determined to win the Long Jump at The JO’s and everyday leading to the meet we talked about her goals and focusing her on her personal bests.
Fast forward to the JO’s. Lauren began to complain before the 100m of a nagging pain in her hip. I checked her out and treated her accordingly and she was feeling great running a great time. The next day she was full of energy ready for the jump. By the time we got to the track she was very nervous about the jump and I had to remind her of all the things her jump coach had taught her and how good she had done in practice.If she could duplicate those jumps she could win and maybe even a National record.
I just kept reminding her to do HER best. The jumps came quickly because of the 200m to follow and she wasn’t ready to jump and I couldn’t figure out why. After two scratches I told Henry to talk to her she is some how confused about the board and then the last jump came. I told her a winner finds a way to win. She ran down and hit the board fairly with the best jump of her life and the meet to that point. Her tears were gone and a big smile replaced them and her look of confidence as she went over to the 200m final line up.
She proceeded to win the 200m gold medal and things were looking very good for two gold medals that day. When she returned some one told her that a girl had jumped 16′ 10″ she said later she couldn’t believe it but okay.Then the girls under the tent began saying that there was cheating going on and “that girl” was lying about her jump. Lauren’s joy quickly turned to sadness as she realized that she would be a silver medalist because of a mistake not getting beat in head to head in competition. The entire story is here At the podium for the the Long Jump there was a quiet uproar with parents saying “that’s not fair,she didn’t earn the medal”.It wasn’t really loud but a grumbling that everyone could hear clearly. the winner was no where to be seen after they were released from the stage.
Sunday Morning the first sprint race of the day Lauren wins the 100m and her 3rd medal of the JO’s. I was happy but somehow it just wasn’t the way I thought it would feel. She was happy and the podium was a happy place with lots of girls taking pictures and smiles being exchanged. Parents greeting and congratulating. Later that day she began complaining of this nagging hip and hamstring problem. I told her we would ice and I would look at it when we got to Iowa.
Final tally two Golds and one Silver . Up beat spirits abound.
Part Two AAU National Junior Olympics Championship
Before warming up for the 100m Lauren mentioned again her nagging pain on her right side. I left for the stands concerned but ready to watch and handle the complaint again later. Ninth heat Lauren runs to a 13.99 finish and I call Henry and tell him something is wrong more than a nagging pain with her. He agreed and hope she was just shutting it down to conserve energy. From the next day that moment I knew this JO experience would not be quite the same as the previous. That night she had a pain level that she had not had before and I worked on getting her better for the better part of 2 hours. I knew that night things were not looking good for the weeks races. She kept asking me if she was going to feel better to run the 200 and 400.I said I am not sure we will see tomorrow.
The next morning early Tuesday,when she got up it was just as bad as when I put her to bed. Henry looked worried and I felt the same. I tried to warm her up and treat her some more but it wasn’t working.Lauren said she would try to run and we headed to the track. I knew right then the chances of her getting to finals was slim to none. She continued to say she wanted to try and before the 200m Henry told her she didn’t have to run but she wanted to try.
I was thinking no 400m it would just be to much on her.I consulted with a very nice doctor close to the track and he agreed with me that she most likely had an end of season overuse injury due to the long jumping being so intense over a short period of time. Right hip synovitis is the official term and hamstring strain. She wasn’t use to the extra Long Jump work and the Championships just happen to fall in the wrong place. She later admitted to feeling bad after the long jump final. When the ninth heat came up I was very nervous and concerned she just didn’t look herself and even when she walked out she had a slight hitch in her gait.
She didn’t get into the blocks. That was it I knew her season was over completely. The gun went off she barely got out and in a couple of seconds it was over she had to stop. I am glad she knew not to push what was feeling so bad potentially causing more damage. She finally crossed the finish line crying and wallking about 2 minutes later and they took her to the tent for ice. She later told me she couldn’t get down in the blocks with out pain. Her leg felt “wierd “.She was sad for a while but slowly reconciled the injury and said she would be ready for next season. Her hamstring is actually feeling better hip not as much but, it will be completely better with rest and time.
Final Stats
100m 13.12
200m 27.04
400m 1:01.31
Long Jump 14′-10″
All are the fastest times and furthest jump ,(legitimate marks) of the season by a Bantam Girl more to follow with God’s help.
Until Next Season
Hi Lorraine, I went through a similar injury in my high school days. This may be old school, But the coaches and trainer had me do a lot running in the pool to strengthen my hammy. You may want to look into it .That hip area was the same area I experienced my injury.The very top of the hammy.
congrats to you guys (thumbs up!)
Lauren had a great season. I know how hard it is for any athlete, let alone the best bantam sprinter in the country, to have to deal with injuries. I was a very injury prone athlete. Started getting injured my junior year in high school in football and continued throughout my college career. Shoulder operations, knee and hamstring strains, cracked navicular bone, sprained ankles, etc. I was track captain my senior year and probably would have been state sprint champion in 100 yard dash. Pulled a hamstring. Through it all, the one thing that I learned is that there will always be another day to compete. Always tell Lauren to listen to her body (which she did) and don’t you be so hard on yourself. You just never know what triggers the body to malfunction. It happens in less than a second and is something that you carry with you for the rest of your life.
I was watching the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony today. Replayed Michael Irvin’s famous speech where he said “look up, get up, and don’t ever give up”. These words are already a part of your daughter’s fabric.
Wishing Lauren and your family the best,
Clarence Gaines
Thanks Clarence,
Yes I am glad that Lauren had the presence of mind to make a very tough choice. She is getting better daily and we are looking at how to help her not to have an over use injury in the future as best we can. I appreciate your thoughtful words and insight.
Side bar we are working on the long jump thing wish us luck : – )