Author Archive

Chpts. 32-34: The Conclusion of “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 32-34: The Conclusion of “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“Some of you will win gold medals; others will be humbled.  Regardless of what you achieve, return home with your belief in self intact.  The fact you are in this room tonight means you have everything it takes to live a life of honor and achievement.” – Calvin Benlehr Chapter 32 CELEBRATION           Beckwith rented…

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The Complete Original Gangsters Of Running (Vol. 3)

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The Complete Original Gangsters Of Running (Vol. 3)

You said I was weak. You said I couldn’t do it. Thank you. You gave me everything I needed to prove you wrong. – Steve Prefontaine  As a matter of introduction, I can simply say, these exceptional people all inspired me personally and for those who offered friendship, I am honored. – JDW. The Original…

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Chapter 31: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 31: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“Coach?””Yes, Diana?””Thank you for everything.” Chapter 31 SECRETARIAT           Diana Bailey ran with the courage that owning a berth on the Olympic team allows.  The Trials schedule mirrored the Olympic format as closely as possible.  A 10,000/5,000 double was difficult for men – and nearly impossible for women.           A woman aspiring to race both…

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Chapter 30: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 30: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

Tour de France bicycle riders have an unspoken tradition.  If the race leader falls, slips a chain, or has a flat, the field slows until he either catches back up or retires.  No such tradition exists in track. A fall is simply an opportunity for others. Chapter 30 JEREMY’S RACE           Harold Bond pulled away…

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I Remember 8/25/1956 Like It Was Tomorrow

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I Remember 8/25/1956 Like It Was Tomorrow

“Be calm as I and my family are. We are not hurt and remember that if anything happens to me, there will be others to take my place” – Dr. M.L. King Jr., that same year, after his own home was bombed. Home of Another Bus Boycott Supporter Bombed On the night of August 25,…

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When The Wheels Come Off

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When The Wheels Come Off

Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you’ve got a kingdom. – Jack Lalanne “…And after a long time the boy came back again. “I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree, “but I have nothing left to give you- My apples are gone.” “My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy….

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Chpts. 27-29 “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 27-29 “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

“These events aren’t for the mentally fragile.  When you have twelve fit and courageous young people willing to run themselves to collapse, only three can be completely successful.  The other nine leave with doubts about whether it was worth the pain and effort.  Despite their disappointment today, four years from now, many of them will…

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Chpts. 25 & 26: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

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Chpts. 25 & 26: “Olympic Hopefuls” By Jay Birmingham

When you’re in those final laps,” Animas said, “and it begins to hurt, just remember where you come from.” Chapter Twenty-Five KNOXVILLE           Harry Beckwith shuffled the mile to Joe Black Stadium at five-thirty a.m.  The tepid Tennessee humidity covered him like a wet sheet and he wondered how the 10,000-meter runners would fare in…

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Chapter 24:”Olympic Hopefuls” by Jay Birmingham

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Chapter 24:”Olympic Hopefuls” by Jay Birmingham

Cash paid for inside information or photos of people in the news, politicians, or public servants.  Found a skeleton in someone’s closet?  Up to $500 paid for your knowledge.  Call us today at: 1-800-EXPOSED! Chapter Twenty-Four BAD BLOOD                 Benny Parilla could use some extra cash – a gambling junket to the casino in…

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Hurricane Charley’s 20th Anniversary

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Hurricane Charley’s 20th Anniversary

”You can’t plan for the unforeseen. God doesn’t follow the linear directions of computer models. And these are powerful storms that don’t behave in any kind of way that you can say with certainty where they’re going to go.” – Jeb Bush, FL GOV. 2004 Friday The Thirteenth. 2004. It was scary. Hurricane Charley was the…

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