Monday, June 30, 2008

Eugene, Ore. - As the 2008 Summer Olympic Games approach and Team USA assembles, two of the Atlantic Sun Conference's finest student-athletes embark on a quest to bear the red, white and blue in Beijing. Long jumpers Natasha Harvey and Shaquania Lundy of Jacksonville make the voyage to the Pacific Northwest and historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. for a chance to compete with the elite athletes of the world at the 2008 Olympic Team Trials. Follow Natasha, Shaquania and Jacksonville Head Coach Ron Grigg on AtlanticSun.org as they share their experiences from this historic event.

Shaquania Lundy
Sitting in the stands for the first time since we arrived was awesome. There was an adrenalane rush as several athletes were named to the USA Track and Field team going to Beijing. It was then that I realized that I have just as much of a chance as every other athlete out on the field to represent my country. As far as preparing for the big day, I am trying not to think too much because now is not the time, but it is time to just preform and do what I know how to do best. I have done this jump way too many times and I have learned the things that matter the most in order for me to preform well. With all of that said, I am ready to get on the runway and make it happen!

Natasha Harvey
It's happening...I can feel it happening! We went to the warm-up track today just to get things rolling again after traveling most of the day yesterday (Sat.). There weren't many people there but what I was feeling on the inside didn't resemble that. I began to feel a host of emotions at one time, but most importantly confidence. After a few build-ups I was sure that I was ready. Making it to the Olympic Trials has been a journey in its own but my journey isn't going to stop here. It can't. I won't let it. Tomorrow is going to be great! It's in the air. The level of competiveness that I witnesed today at Hayward Field was incredible and tomorrow I get to add to that. I can't wait!

Coach Ron Grigg
Eugene, Oregon really is Tracktown USA. The stands are packed, the facility is beautiful as the entire town has turned its attention to putting on the greatest track meet ever conducted on USA soil and it is succeeding.

Yesterday while picking up our credentials we watched the women's 100-meter dash final, and I was commenting on how fast the track must be, or how prepared the atheltes really are because the times have been surprising to even the most knowledgable track fans.

Today we witnessed the fastest time ever run under any conditions in the men's 100-meter dash (Tyson Gay, 9.68). It won't be a World Record because of an illegal wind, but it was breathtaking. That may sound cliche, but those really are the best words to describe it.

The girls had a nice session this morning at the practice track. We are currently in the athlete support building where they provide light refreshments, live feed of the event, Nintendo Wii track and field on the big screen if you care to partake and a chance to check email. Our hotel doesn't have wireless so we'll correspond from here each day and send the picturess from the McDonald's across the street from our hotel.

The weather has been warmer than usual for Eugene, but it is right on par for us as Floridians. We will get a good dinner, a nice night's rest and tomorrow we will head to the track in the morning for a shake out. Then at 7:05 pm it's showtime.