Rain clouds crowded over a mass of yellow ponchos as Leah and Rollie Swedberg disposed of the long list of materials that weren’t allowed in the stadium of the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon this summer. After exiting the bus that lead them to the place where future Olympians were presenting their skills, the Department of Homeland Security scanned everybody and every bag with wands and walk through censors. After clearing security the spectators were free to watch their desired athletes achieve their dream of making it to the 2012 London Olympics.
“There was just a phenomenal energy inside the expo and the field,” Leah said. “Everyone was there for a common purpose; to cheer for and celebrate the victories of our future US Olympians.”
Nike was the major sponsor of this event and truly made it a memorable experience for the sold out crowd at one of the most famous track in the U.S.. Nike provided a speed simulator where people would walk through a long tunnel and the simulator would flash the race that was happening at that point in time. The players that were sponsored by Nike would be highlighted.
“A countdown from three would begin; you’d hear the start gun and bam!” Leah said. “The simulated athletes would tear by you at speeds of [over] twenty miles an hour. I can only imagine the hours of training those athletes endure to be great.”
This awe-inspiring experience was not only viewed by Leah and Rollie Swedberg this summer, but also senior Jessica and freshman Parker Roseneau as well.
Myron Loberg coaches a camp in the summer called Speed Strength Agility and Quickness or S2AQ camp in which Parker and Jessica attend. Last summer Loberg gave his athletes the option of signing up to go in a group mentored by him to attend the Olympic Trials the following summer. This was Lobergs fifth time giving this opportunity. Jessica, Parker, and Taylor Perry, who graduated last year from West Fargo, were the three athletes that signed up to go to this historical event in Oregon.
“It is important [to give the opportunity to go to the Olympic Trials] because it is about giving people a chance to see great athletes and to life their thinking to a higher level,” Loberg said.
Loberg said that his most memorable moment is seeing the reactions from his athletes. The other was when Jessica and Perry got the privilege of meeting Morgan Uceny, the 1500m champ.
“When I first went there I was speechless,” Parker said. “It was cool being in the same place as some of the best runners. The Men’s 5k was most memorable because just watching the future Olympic silver medalist and one of the best runners of all time was really cool.”
The 2012 Olympic Trials was undoubtedly a highlight of their summer. History happened before their eyes.
“It was amazing,” Jessica said. “Everybody was cheering and everybody was just happy to be there. It was crazy; I don’t even know how to explain it.”