The thing about the trials is that shocking things happen and people don't make the team. It's unfortunate that Athing missed out and I feel bad for her, but there are people who miss every year and that is why it's exciting.
For every person who shockingly misses the team there are others who get to go. It's kind of a disservice to their accomplishments to keep whining about someone who messed up.
I was at the ‘92 Trials in New Orleans as a 17yo when far and away Olympic decathlon favorite Dan no-heighted the pole vault. So many of us were wearing the Reebok Dan vs. Dave t-shirts that day, and the entire stadium just sighed with collective disappointment and sadness for Dan.
I also witnessed his redemption 4 years later in Atlanta ‘96. This is what makes sports so amazing! Tough luck to Mu, but she has a choice to do something about it in the future, unlike most people, but just like Dan did.
Life is full of disappointment. We don’t hand out free passes to the Olympics.
not dave wrote:
I was at the ‘92 Trials in New Orleans as a 17yo when far and away Olympic decathlon favorite Dan no-heighted the pole vault. So many of us were wearing the Reebok Dan vs. Dave t-shirts that day, and the entire stadium just sighed with collective disappointment and sadness for Dan.
I also witnessed his redemption 4 years later in Atlanta ‘96. This is what makes sports so amazing! Tough luck to Mu, but she has a choice to do something about it in the future, unlike most people, but just like Dan did.
Dude, I was there wearing a Reebok Mr. Green for President ("No Flat Tax") tee shirt and going to the parties at night. Sorry you were too young. Maybe ATL was a redemption for you.
Dan Obrien failed to make the 1992 Olympic Team bacause of the pole vault no height, but went on to break the world record in the Decathlon that year.
Also in 1992, Moses Kiptanui failed to make the Kenyan Olympic team bur broke the 3000m Steeplechase world record and the open 3000m world record that year.
Norredine Morceli bombed in the 1500 Oly final in 1992 but later broke the 1500m world record that year.
Michael Johnson bombed in the 200 in 1992 but was part of the 4X400 Gold medal and world record breaking team.
Carl Lewis failed to make the 1992 US 100 or 200m teams but anchored the Gold Medal world record breaking 4X100 team in the Olympics along with his long jump Gold.