The Olympic Trials determine who will compete in Paris, and they represent much more.
In the 3rd person plural, trials mean a test for suitability or worthiness. And many of America’s finest athletes are being “trialed” to see which ones are best suited for the coming Paris Olympics. As always, there is much human drama in such trials because so many hours have been spent preparing for the test, and not all go according to plan or wish.
For instance, out in Eugene, Oregon, the track and field competition shows disappointment and thrill. In the final for the women’s 800 meters, the defending Olympic champion, Athing Mu, tripped and fell out of contention for that race and, with it, the Paris Olympics. As if that were not heart-breaking enough, Eric Holt made the men’s 800 final only to discover that he was disqualified for stepping on a line in his semi-final race. Johnny Brackins lost a spot on the Olympic track and field team by one centimeter in the long jump. (Get out a ruler and see how little a centimeter is.) And let us not overlook Quincy Wilson, a 16-year-old sophomore from Bullis Prep School in Potomac, Maryland, who set two new world age-group records in 400-meter heats before placing 6th in the finals.
These trials show us so many athletes. Each has its story, too, like the 200-meter winner Gabby Thomas, who makes time to volunteer in an Austin health clinic while training at such a level. The continuing artistry of Simone Biles seems to improve with age as she dominates women’s gymnastics, while the young Frederick Richard shows men how to compete. Then there is Katie Ledecky in the pool, still a force to be reckoned with.
I enjoyed watching the competition and reading about the athletes. I marvel at their talent, appreciate their wins, and cringe at their losses. But I also enjoy their stories, and two (among many) stood out. Sydney McClaughin-Levrone’s husband, Andre, counts her steps between each hurdle. Before the swimming competition, and standing before 25,000 fans in a gleaming white dress, two-time Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel shared her violin mastery in a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Indeed, there is heartbreak from our athletes’ trials. Still, there is reason for celebration, and sometimes, there’s much more, like being treated to the unknown talent of a violinist or the dedicated support of a spouse counting steps between hurdles.
