U.S. Games
- Physical Strength is Only Part of the Game
- “Because I Can”—From Transplant Recipient to Marathon Runner
Physical Strength is Only Part of the Game
By Ashleigh Chicko
Stepping into Gesling Stadium, located in the heart of Carnegie Mellon University, the abundant smell of freshly-applied sun block fills the air. It’s another beautiful day and the participants of the Track and Field competition know how important it is to protect themselves from the intense sun and dehydration.
Watching the agility and strength of these athletes is truly inspiring. One of the youngest athletes, a two-year-old girl, throws a softball 8 inches to land her team a silver medal. On the other end of the spectrum are winners in the 70 and up age group, running a 1500m race. The heat is enough to stop spectators in their tracks, let alone these athletes in their 70s and 80s who are pushing their way through 3.75 laps.
The exciting 100m dash featured adrenaline-filled participants pushing their way to the coveted finish line. One gentleman in the 60-69 year old group took a spill a few steps into the race and heroically made his way to the finish line on one leg.
Following the challenging Track & Field events was the awards ceremonies. Catherine Herridge, FOX National Correspondent and living liver donor, and Dr. Thomas Starzl, transplant pioneer, handed out medals to the ever-deserving athletes.
As an on-looker, I was once again amazed by the strength, ability and endurance these athletes displayed at the Transplant Games. I can easily admit I’d never thought I’d look up to a two year-old, but admiration is certainly a form of inspiration.
“Because I Can”—From Transplant Recipient to Marathon Runner
By Terri Willis
This had to be the most bizarre and amazing Games EVER. This was my fifth Games, and normally I am either last or close to it when I run. Two years ago, I was barely able to run the 400. This year, my time was a lot lower! The credentials I received upon my arrival said "Athlete," something I never pictured myself. But this year I lived up to its status.
I showed up at the 5K only to find they didn't have me on the sign-up list. I would have to be re-registered as a non-athlete, which meant I couldn't qualify for a medal. Fortunately, the problem was fixed. I went to the start and I wasn't feeling so hot. I thought it was just nerves but it was dehydration. I had a good pace for the first two miles but felt like I was going to get sick so slowed way down for the last mile. I was getting near the end and saw the clock at 30 minutes. I took off in full sprint, trying to stay within my 30 minute goal—but I didn't make it. I finished 31 minutes with a 10:15 minute mile pace. When I finished, I was taken over to the medical area, where I drank some water with Gatorade.
I learned that I won the silver. My friend DeAnna got the gold. Dara won the bronze. Chris Klug, the first transplant recipient to compete in the Olympics, winning a bronze in snowboarding, presented the medals to me and DeAnna. Afterwards, I went back to my room to recover. I needed to rest since track was the next morning and I didn't want to be sick.
I showed up at track and decided to try to get through my events as best I could. I waited for the 1500 run to start. My nerves were worse than ever. I was trying to breathe and relax. I kept reminding myself not to go out too fast but as soon as I heard the gun, I took off. I was ready to pass out at the finish. I walked off the track and Tom E. came over and had me rest my head, making sure I was alright. I was still there when they called out the results over the speakers—and announced that I won. I sat straight up and looked at Tom. I knew I won but I don't think the reality of it hit me until I heard it. I got back on the track to run the 400 but saw that my age group was already running, and I had missed it.
Luckily, the race director allowed me to run with another age group, taking my time and comparing it with the times in my age group. They announced the results and I won again, with a time of 1:34—down from 1:51 during the 2006 games. I went back to the podium and got both my medals. Next I ran the 800 and got the silver.
When that was over, it was time for me to run the 200. I wanted to win this race since my first Games back in 2000—but it never happened. I wasn't even going to sign up for it this year but something kept telling me to go ahead. I really don't remember what happened during the race. When it was over, one of the girls congratulated me and said I won! I thought there is no way this is happening to ME! I got up and walked over to the podium to confirm. Tom H. told me that the girl who got silver started out in the lead and was about to pass me—right before I crossed the finish. When I received my medal, I had tears in my eyes. I have been waiting for this day for eight years. I left the track exhausted, but with my bling.
The closing ceremonies were touching. I tracked down Tom H for a picture. I had my medals on and he said, “Oh wait, I need to get my bling out because I am not getting shown up by a rookie!”
