Jon Rankin:
Without Fear or Hope
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 16)
Posted July 24th, 2008 at 1:25 PM by Jon Rankin
Section: News & Results, Motivation, Track & Field, Olympics, Elite Athlete Blogs, Jon Rankin
Welcome to the official blog of rising U.S. track & field star Jon Rankin; the inaugural member of The Final Sprint’s Elite Athlete Blog Series. Be sure to check back every other Wednesday for Jon’s latest entry at http://jonrankin.thefinalsprint.com/
I cried so much when it was over. . . . . . Sitting in 4th place with 30 meters or so to go, once I realized I wasn’t going to catch the guys in 1st, 2nd or 3rd I unintentionally let go. I didn’t even realize I did this until others told me they saw the look of focus slowly fade from my face moments before crossing the finish line. They could tell that I had stopped racing once I realized I was going to fall short of making the team . . . . And all I could do as I took off my spikes to replace them with my flats was cry.
I cried for many reasons that afternoon. I cried because I had been chasing a dream for over twelve years and was less than 1 second from making it come true. I cried because nothing hurts more than putting your whole heart into something and finally having it come to an end, favorably or not. I was so tired once it was all over.
When the adrenaline faded and the crowd’s cheers subsided the tears inevitably followed. I cried because I was sad that I didn’t make the team and I cried because I knew that I had given it my most honest effort and that considering all circumstances I ran the best race that I could have that day. I was proud of that and that feeling of having given my best was the most rewarding feeling I could have gained from the entire Olympic Trials experience. . . . . . .
. . . . . I wasn’t a favorite going into the trials and as I qualified from one round to the next I was asked by the media how I felt about being overlooked. Well, I would assume no one likes to be the last one picked when it comes to anything, but that doesn’t indicate a lack of ability to still be successful, or possibly even the best. It was actually one of my favorite questions to be asked. My answer was simple: I saw myself as an Everyman, a person who is more similar than different from what is considered to be an average person. I’ve never considered myself a superstar and I’ve never considered myself to be any more special than anyone else. So as I was fortunate enough to qualify from one round to the next I was most pleased because I felt like I was another example of what all people can do. Then again maybe I have it all wrong, maybe we’re all extraordinary and only a few have been lucky enough to realize it.
I guess what I’m trying to say is:
Don’t let the feeling of being normal inhibit you from achieving something extraordinary.
When I finally got back to San Diego I spent a lot of time in a daze. I would find myself waking up and lying in bed just staring off into space. The first few days home I would find myself sitting in the middle of a room staring at the wall with no TV on and no music playing. Or I would be walking and I would stop and just stare at the ground for what would be seconds, minutes or possibly even hours before I’d snapped out of my trance to realize I hadn’t moved for a long time. Fortunately, I don’t feel like that today because I’ve finally woken up from the dream that was the trials.
And so, the place where I hoped my dreams would come true ended up being a place that became a dream in and of it self. And it effected me in so many ways and it took hold of me so tightly that its’ grip didn’t let go until days after it, that dream, was supposed to be over. On this day, in this moment I realize I’ve been changed by that dream and that moment in time. I’m not the same person I was before going to Eugene, and I know . . . I’ll never be the same.
In life I think it’s rare to know the day, time and place where your dreams may or may not come true. There aren’t too many obvious examples of clear opportunities when you get to test yourself in front of the world and to see what type of person you are and can become. In the end there will be a lot of questions that I’ll never know the answer to about what went right and what went wrong; and that’s what makes experiences like an Olympic Trials and I assume, Olympic Games so difficult to get over once they end. The question I’ll ask myself the most when I think back upon my effort and experience throughout the whole trials is whether or not I did my best. Happily I can answer that question with a definitive yes! And no matter what may happen from this day unto the next I know I can live with the outcome because I can say that much.
Thanks to all of you for cheering us athletes on. Thank you for laughing with us and for crying with us. Thank you for riding this crazy roller coaster with all its ups and downs with us. We not only chase this amazing dream for ourselves we also do it because we love to hear the hope and fear that resonates from your voices as you cheer for our safety and our triumphs.
To all of the athletes who made the Olympic Team I pray that you have a great experience and lots of success. God bless all of you.
Go USA!!
- Jon
To comment on this entry and to to send questions and/or feedback to Jon, please please click here.
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- Jon Rankin: Being Human
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 20) - Jon Rankin: Limitless
(Elite Athlete Blog Entry 18) - Jon Rankin:
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(Elite Athlete Blog - Entry #11) - Jon Rankin:
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Tags: elite athlete blog, elite athlete blog series, jon rankin, jon rankin blog, middle distance, professional running blog, the final sprint elite athlete blog series, thefinalsprint.com elite athlete blog series, track and field, u.s olympic track & field trials, u.s. olympic track & field trials, ucla, ucla bruin, UCLA track
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The Final Sprint
Jon - are you retiring from track & field completely now, or will you pick up the spikes and keep running, and maybe give it another shot in 4 years?
July 24th, 2008 at 4:07 pmHi Murtada,
Thanks for your comment. I will let Jon respond and elaborate, but it is VERY safe to say that he is NOT retiring.
At the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials Jon performed very well and became the 1500m Olympic alternate for Team USA. Although he had hoped to earn one of the three secured, non-alternate spots - he has a lot to be proud of and ran a great race against a world-class field.
He has a very bright future ahead of him and everyone here at TheFinalSprint.com wishes him the best in his pursuit of continued success and Olympic glory.
Thanks again!
Adam Jacobs
–
July 24th, 2008 at 4:40 pmADAM S. JACOBS
Editor-in-Chief
TheFinalSprint.com
adam@thefinalsprint.com
–
Jon - You are a class act and a blessed man.
“In the dust of defeat, as well in the laurels of victory, there is glory to be found if one has done his best”.
All the best to you.
Rob.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:26 pmUCLA ‘77
Hi Murtada-
Thanks for your reading my latest blog entry. And thank you for your question and interest in my running career. As far as retiring goes I’ve contemplated retiring after this year since I turned pro in July of 2005. And a lot has happened between now and then. I hope to the excitement of those who has cheered me on since 2005 I will continue to race and God willing, have another shot at making the Olympic team in 2012. I have a lot of goals left yet to achieve and I have a lot more I would like to give to the sport of running before I hang up the spikes for good.
I hope you’re having a great summer!! Thanks again for writing.
your friend,
July 25th, 2008 at 3:39 amJon Rankin
2012 Olympic Hopeful
Rob-
It’s nice to hear from a fellow Bruin. Thank you for your kind words and the great quote. And most importantly, thanks for the support.
Go BRUINS!!
your friend,
July 25th, 2008 at 3:50 amJon Rankin
Jon, I was curious as to what your coach said to you after your final race or after the Olympic trials? Did he say you had to change the training focus? Did he say you did what you were supposed to? Did he say you were prepared for what happened at the end of that final sprint?
July 25th, 2008 at 1:37 pmJon,
July 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pmBeing from San Diego, I watched and cheered for you during the Olympic Trials. You ran beautifully, and I have to say your article really touched me. You show the heart of an athlete with such honesty, insight and passion that not many people could so wonderfully and openly portray. I loved reading this and I will remember it.
I’ll be supporting you in 2012!!!
Juliette
Hello Jon,
Wow, your article really touched me. I know you ran your best! and that is all that matters, right? I’ve experienced some similar situations myself( of course not at the olympic level) but like failing to qualify for CIF/State and stuff like that. I really look forward to supporting you during the rest of your career, you’re awesome! :)
-Jessica
P.S. Go San Diego Section!!! :)
July 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pmHi Jon,
Glad to hear you’re back in action and going for 2012. I can’t wait to see how you build on these experiences to become a better racer, runner, and person.
You continue to inspire.
Bryan
July 26th, 2008 at 3:57 amJon,
Thank you for sharing your experience to the rest of us. This demonstration of class, strength and winning attitude is a great learing opportunity for all of us. I am making it a point to share this blog entry with my 3 kids, so that they can see a real live example of a winning attitude from a world clas athlete. Thanks again!
Chris in Ohio
July 29th, 2008 at 8:12 amHey JR,
The whole Swedish crew are all very proud of the way you performed at the Trials! You did everything in your power to be at your best on that given day, in this you should take great comfort. You have a lot of untapped potential that will flourish over the next Olympic cycle.
If you decide to come over to Europe this summer you always have a spot here in Stockholm. It would be tight if you got into one of the Golden Leagues or Rieti after Beijing.
July 29th, 2008 at 8:25 am//Easy-E
Jon,
July 29th, 2008 at 12:24 pmThanks for the great insight into the race and experience of the Trials. I saw you last week at the OTC (I was there with the kids from Casillas Elementary). SO glad to hear you are running some races this summer and beyond. You are an inspiration to those kids, they LOVED seeing you in your “home”.
Good luck!
Liza
Hi Sol Wroclawsky,
Thanks for writing. My Coach and I haven’t really talked that much about the final to tell you the truth. I may have made a few tactical errors that put me in a challenging position throughout the race, but other than that, I ran the best race that I could. He (Joaquim Cruz) has said numerous times to me that he was very proud of how I raced. I’m lucky to have such a great friend and kind mentor in my coach. He’s truly become a major influence in my life.
The only change in focus for us at this point is to now look towards the next Olympics in four years and how we can create a more favorable outcome the next time around.
I wish you all the best in your running. And again, thanks for writing. Keep the great questions coming.
Your friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 amJon Rankin
Hi Juliette,
Thanks for the kind comment. I’m so encouraged and inspired by your note to me. I can only say that I hope I’ve made you proud with my past running efforts; and that I can give us all here in San Diego (and hopefully around the world) performances in the future that we can someday celebrate.
I wish you all the best in your own endeavors. Thanks for reading and writing.
Your Friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:54 amJon Rankin
(Yay, San Diego)
Jessica,
Thanks for your kind words. And yes, go San Diego Section!! Just a little history about myself - I failed to qualify for the CIF/State championships when I was in high school as a junior and senior and look at how far I’ve come! From the sounds of it you’re not discouraged by this past outcome and that is very inspirational. Always remember: even though we may never know why things happen the way they do we must continue to chase our dreams in spite of what may seem like setbacks to that pursuit.
I wish you all the best in all of your future running endeavors.
Your Friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 amJon Rankin
Bryan,
Your a great friend. Thanks for always cheering and always believing.
Your Friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 amRankin
Hi Chris (McGraw),
I’m so happy to hear that what I’ve done and how I’ve tried to carry myself is viewed in such a positive way. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words. I wish you and your family all the best. And thank you for your support and encouragement.
I hope you’re having a wonderful summer!
Your friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:07 amJon Rankin
Erik (aka. Little Nope),
You’re such a great friend. I’m planning on coming over to Europe and I truly do hope to make it to Sweden to visit with all of my Swedish friends. All of you are like family to me. I mean, we are practically brothers, right?! (Haha) Seriously, please let everyone know that I miss them all and wish them much success throughout the European Track Season this summer.
Take great care. Give my apologies to Papa Nope for not making the Olympic Team.
Your Friend,
Jon
aka. Adopted Nope
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 amLiza,
It was great seeing you and all of the kids from Casillas Elementary. I look forward to coming back and visiting all of you again really soon.
Have a great summer and enjoy watching the Olympics. It will be a great one!
Your Friend,
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:19 amJon Rankin
Jon,
Daniel and I were cheering so hard for you during every race… my palms have never sweat so hard! I am proud of you for doing your best and you can bet that we’ll be cheering for you in 2012. God bless. Thanks for always being an amazing role model to everyone!
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 pmHey Jon,
It’s been a long time, my friend. You had a lot of people pulling for you, and you made us ALL proud. Keep your head up, and keep representing everyone who ran vicariously through you. It’s been an honor telling people that a class athlete and person like yourself is a friend.
God bless,
August 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pmChuy
Kelly & Daniel,
I can’t begin to express my appreciation for the continued love and support you’ve sent my way during my journey. I am very grateful to have you as my friends. I hope that you both are having a great summer. Please give my best to everyone at Warner Ave Elementary, Kelly. I look forward to visiting with all of you again real soon.
Take care.
Your friend,
August 6th, 2008 at 12:50 amJon
Chuy,
Thanks for your kind words and for your friendship. It’s so nice to hear from you. I’m so blessed to be doing what we all love for a profession. It’s been the most amazing ride and I look forward to continuing the journey and making all the way someday.
I hope that you and all my friends and family know that I do this not only for myself but more importantly, for those who might not be able to for whatever reason. I run for us all.
May God Bless you and your family. I look forward to seeing you someday in the near future. Take care.
Your friend always,
August 6th, 2008 at 12:55 amJon Rankin
Jon Jon you are such an amazing person, I am so very proud to have a son like you it makes me so happy to hear people say such nice things about you,we were so happy to be at the trial to support you and cheer you on and boy did we cheer ( go team rankin ) we love you and know you did your best and that was good enough for us, you make us proud not just for how you do in sports but the person you are ,looking forward to seeing you run in NEW YORK in Sept.
love you more
August 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pmmom
Mom,
You’re the best. Thanks for being the first to comment on all of my blog entries. I can always count on you and dad to let me know how much you like my entries as soon as they are posted. Thanks again for being there for me not only at the trials, but all of my life. I love you and the family very much. Give DD and DJ a big hug from their uncle.
Love,
August 6th, 2008 at 6:18 pmJon Jon
Jon,
As a rivals coach and someone who stayed across the hall from you in Eugene, I can say with a lot of confidence that you are one of the great people in this sport. You are a tremendous athlete, competitor and most important person. I enjoyed just briefly getting to know you and wish you the best in the future.
You will be doing yourself and US middle distance running a disservice if you leave us anytime soon.
John
August 10th, 2008 at 4:23 amHi Jon,
I just wanted to let you know that your entry on just falling short of making the Olympic team was pretty powerful. Your honesty and ability to put it all in the ‘proper perspective’ is refreshing. I wish you all the best in the future and would have been proud to have you representing the US at the 2008 Olympics. I was out in Eugene for the trials and will remember that race as one of the better one of the week (certainly one of the most anticipated). So you now have one more fan and I hope that you realize the rest of your goals leading up to the next Olympics. Good luck and I’ll be cheering you on.
Jen
August 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pmJon
first, I wish you the best of luck in the years to come. Your story was touching. Being one who has experienced the crying and the trance of not being on the team, I understand where you are in you are life, but I have to tell you, it gives you great focus for the years to come. I remember after the 2000 Olympic trials I just miss making the team at 800m after being the fastest American coming in, but God had another plan for me and so making the team in 2004 was even more exciting than 2000.
I know it may seem like all is a wash right now, but I’d like to encourage you not to give up your dream so soon.
Derrick
August 10th, 2008 at 2:37 pm2004 U.S. Olympian
Track and Field
Imagine how Webb feels! Imagine a 3:46 miler not making the US Olympic team.
August 11th, 2008 at 11:12 amJon,
I haven’t followed your efforts in competing for the olympics, but in the midst of the olympics I found this article while trying to see whether you would be competing in Bejing.
It’s incredible how far you’ve pushed yourself, and what you’ve accomplished. Your efforts were never in vain, they helped you to grow as an individual.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:31 amWe agree with your mom - we are proud you did your best and felt your pain as we watched you. We cried and hurt for you and your disappointment; but knew you would overcome.
Just remember all the trials and hardships you went through BEFORE this year, and to get where you did this year wouldn’t have been possible without your strength of character.
You are more important to us as the person you are than your sport. We can say all these things to soften your loss, but we can’t remove the feelings you have. But we can encourage you to move forward with all the things you have learned in life thus far.
And since you like quotes so much, I found this one for you from Jackie Joyner-Kersee — “It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.” Go get ‘em!!! Look forward always googling ‘jon rankin + track + results + year’!!!
Our best to you, Michael and Sharon
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:25 am