Quiet Fire IG 4x800 and YB 4x800 Relays
Almost yearly about this time of the year I have to ask myself ”What Day Is It??”
This segment of TrackMom Diaries is a retrospective post from my notes typed in my phone beginning 7.29.12. Before leaving Baltimore on Sunday I lost my wallet Yes…My Wallet. Can you believe. It never fails every year something crazy happens during our journey of Junior Olympics.
It was such a crazy afternoon and evening we didn’t get back to my family’s home for the night until 11:30pm,not to bed until 2:30am up and on the road at 4:30 sharp and then after going through special security (remember, I now don’t have a ID ) about 6:45am we are checked in and ready for takeoff to Houston, Texas for our final stop of this 2012 Championship Tour.
This by far is the worst mishap in 6 years of Junior Olympic travel. But all is not lost. I get to buy a new wallet I didn’t need but have been wanting to justify, no monies were lost all account were closed by 2:30 am my social security number wasn’t in my wallet so no access to more of my important personal info and well while it is never easy to lose a few hundred dollars, it is not the end of the world. So for me quickly finding a silver lining is the only thing we (me) could do to stay sane .
The wallet lost and airline changes totally over shadowed the days medaling events. Before the “Wallet incident It was a great day. Lauren was happy and ready to do her best. And that she did.. The 100m YG race finished with probably one of the fastest ever finishes with 4 athletes going sub 12 and a new Junior Olympic Record. Kaylin 1st,Lynna 2nd and Lauren 3rd. The crowd was all a buzz with the upcoming race and the girls didn’t disappoint.
Once again Kaylin dominated the the race but before her final surge Lauren was fighting and was first to the big diamonds before Kaylin accelerated to take an obvious front lead. It was a few meters before Lauren looked like 2nd just might be
Before the finish of the race, the day started in the most mature way yet I have seen her to date. We always pray before each days beginning. This day she asked the Lord to help her do her best and that she would be grateful and thankful for the gift He has placed in her. That she would be joyous and gracious whatever place she received . After the race she was just that. We had a great day no regrets just happy to be there. We were able to hang out with Midget girl 800m Silver medalist London Alexander and her parents Brian and Joselyn and even talk a little about new goals for track and the upcoming school year. In the end may people were so kind to Lauren and if I didn’t know the final results, based on the fans and spectators I would have not know who was the 1st place finisher because all the girls were being greeted and asked to take pictures and even a couple of autographs(which is always fun to watch) All and all one of our best experiences at the JO’s to date.
I know you may wonder why it was one of the best and Lauren took 3rd ? Well it is simple. No one wins all the time and while she has rarely lost in over 6 years total these races redefined for me that she is a great competitor not to be taken lightly if wisdom prevails. Lauren is developing into a well rounded track and field athlete that will add a positive value to our sport. I am grateful for the best competition in the Nation and look forward to more in the years to come. See All the results here
100 Meter Dash Youth Girls
=====================================================================
Nat'l: N 11.73 7/31/2009 Kendall Baisden, Motor City TC, MI
JO Meet: J 11.61 8/1/1999 Sanya Richards, Pembrooke Pines, F
Name Year Team Finals Wind
=====================================================================
Finals
1 Whitney, Kaylin 98 04-Star Athl 11.59 J 1.2 Junior Olympic Record!!!
2 Irby, Lynna 98 07-Indiana Storm TC 11.85 1.2
** 3 Williams, Lauren 99 15-Quiet Fire TC 11.94 1.2
4 Taylor, Alexys 98 16-Unattached 11.96 1.2
5 Taylor, J'Nai 98 04-Unattached 12.13 1.2
** 6 Robinson, Hunter 99 02-Unattached 12.20 1.2
7 Johnson, Genaya 98 02-Future St 12.36 1.2
8 Riggins, Christina 99 16-Aberdeen 12.38 1.2
** 1999 year born athletes look for them next season as Top Youth
Once again Congratulations to all the top eight finalist and all the athlete that participated this year. If you have a story of inspiration or know one please forward it to me @trackmom1@gmail.com
God willing we will be back for one last USATF Junior Olympic at the age group level. There are lots of changes for Team Lauren coming up next season as we begin planning for High School and our training group. Stay tuned!
Great Post Lorraine – one of your best – Lauren’s experiences will shape her for life. You and Henry are raising an impressive young lady who will be able to weather the storms of life.