LoloWiki

A few weeks back, I was reading the Des Moines Register and the story of Olympic Athlete, Lolo Jones caught my eye. Lolo had won money in the Olympic trials and instead of using it for herself as many people her age would, she decided to donate it to a single mother who had been victim to the floods in Iowa. Now there are often times when athletes donate their money, but when the news described her genuine empathy for the woman as they embraced and shed tears together, I knew I was truly seeing the actions of a true star.

Needless to say, her story hooked me and I couldn't wait to watch her in the Olympics. There were several times Lolo stood out amongst the pack as a class act. First, in Olympic interviews, she always credited everyone else as the reason for her success and thanked those deserving. Second, she praised the talents of the other athletes. Third, she had a glow about her that showed her true love of her sport and awe for the fact she was at the Olympics. And fourth, she was just damn fast.

In her prelims, she smoked past the pack to an easy victory to qualify her for the finals. Unlike Dawn Harper, another US hurdler, when Lolo came off of the track, she did not gloat; she simply mentioned loving the sport and being grateful for the chance to participate. She was also quick to congratulate others and offer a winning smile. Comparing the two runners side-by-side made me appreciate one and feel a certain distaste for the other.

Then came the finals. Lolo had an amazing start and it was apparent she was going to be the easy victor. But then came that ninth hurdle. Lolo came up too fast on it, hit it with her heel, and threw her stride for the rest of the race. She did finish in 7th place, but dropped to her knees in dismay and incredulity at the finish line. My heart went out to her not just because of the fact she lost but because she had shown strength and quality in character long before taking her place at the starting line.

I believe the true test of an athlete is not just in the skill she shows, but in the feeling she inspires in those who watch her.

Dawn Harper may have won the gold, but Lolo Jones is the one with the true gold in my book.

Source: AC