An End of an Era? Adam Nelson Misses Shot Put Final And Reflects on His Legacy
By LetsRun.com
June 23, 2012
Two time Olympic silver medallist, one time World Champion, three time World silver medallist in the shot put Adam Nelson surprisingly failed to qualify for the final at what will likely be his final Olympic Trials.
Nelson throwing in the rain fouled his first two throws and his final throw ended up being .30 meters short of the final.
An emotional Nelson, who had tears in his eyes, was hugging long-time track and field officials as he entered the media area, realizing this was the end of one chapter of his life. Nelson, twice had come close to the pinnacle of the sport, the Olympic gold medal, and there will be no final opportunity.
Nelson was accompanied by his wife Laci in the mixed zone and they hugged and then Nelson entertained the media in an emotional, touching, and inspiring five minutes. Full video below.
Nelson when asked about his legacy said he could not define that. However, he had some excellent advice for all of us saying:
"I hope that people see you can do this a long time, there is a right way to do it. When you do it the right way and you do it every single day, the hard work pays off time and time again. You're going to have bad days, you're going to have good days. On balance you're going to have more good days than bad days. I hope people see that. The bottom line is if you don't love it, don't do it."
Nelson said he would like to still compete but he would have to consult with his wife. He said, "The thing is I love doing what I'm doing right now. And it doesn't get old... I still love it and long as I continue to have that passion for it I'll probably do it in one form of another."
Nelson said he suffered a groin pull in Daegu earlier this year and it was hard for him to overcome now that he is older.
If today was Nelson's final competition, the sport lost a great ambassador.
|
|
|
|
|
|