Trials show Olympics will be a 'must-see'

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: All right, people, let’s talk Olympic Trials. It’s already ramping up to be a good year so far, plus with the whole pandemic—the extremity of it—appearing to be less of an issue now, this year’s Olympics could be really nation-building—for all countries involved. We have gymnastics, swimming, track & field, and diving. Don?

Donald: Simone Biles. This young lady is rolling through the field, and is certainly headed to the Olympics—1 of 4 participants. She hasn’t lost an all-around competition since becoming a senior elite gymnast in 2013 and, earlier this June, she made history when she won her seventh national gymnastics championship. Russ: Wasn’t even close: She was five points ahead of the runner-up.

Patrick: She’s no joke. Donald: She’s not only dang near unbeatable with her talents on the beam, vault, the floor, and everything else, she also is a willing participant at the World Champions Centre, owned by her parents. She trains there and, also, teaches other up-and-coming athletes, many who look up to her and want to be where she is. Patrick: She makes it look easy. The only battle I see Simone having is the battle with herself. To strive to outdo herself. I see her winning this one.

John: Agreed. Now, in swimming, Ryan Lochte, attempting to make his fifth Olympic team, failed to make the cut in his first event, the 200-meter freestyle. He’s entered into six events, but according to experts, his only realistic shot of earning the trip to Tokyo is the 200 individual medley.

Russ: With the pressure of erasing the stigma of an incident at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where he lied about being robbed at gunpoint, he could be pressing.

Donald: Or he could just be at the end of his run. It’s possible. Patrick: Another up-andcoming swimmer in the field, Michael Andrew, made his first Olympic team. He’s the favorite in the 100 breaststroke, and the 200 individual medley that looks good for Lochte is also another event in which Michael looks good. And let’s not fail to mention that he turned pro at 14 and has the financial means to continually pursue his athletic goals, which is a topic in regard to fair financial opportunity, but, nevertheless, he has put his all into creating—and maintaining—his brand.

John: And winning only helps.

Russ: So, in track and field, Allyson Felix. Felix is considered America’s greatest track and field athlete, and could solidify that argument by earning more medals this summer in Tokyo. This would be the 35-year-old’s fifth—and final—Olympics.

Donald: I just read, too, that, due to health complications while giving birth in 2018, she’s become an advocate for several causes related to maternity. She also said she’s feeling better than ever.

Patrick: Good. Because I like her. She’s gorgeous, but her talent on the field is even more so—if that makes any sense!

John: It doesn’t…but I get it.

All: (Laugh) Russ: In men’s track, Noah Lyles, the world’s top-rated sprinter, is looking to replace Usain Bolt as the global face of the speed! He’s confident and ready to go with a goal of three gold medals in Tokyo.

Patrick: The final sport in these Trials: diving. One of our most decorated divers, David Boudia, striving to make a record-tying fourth Olympic team, failed to secure one of the top two available positions. However, 17-year-old Tyler Downs did make the Olympics and is definitely someone to watch.

Donald: Olympics 2021 in Tokyo: a must-see extravaganza!

Send an e-mail with your thoughts to: pedwards@streetwise.org