MOLINE, Ill. — After months of anticipation, the Paris Olympic Games are about to begin! Athletes from around the globe will be competing to prove that they're the very best in the world, and we've got two natives of the Quad Cities who will be among them!
First off is Rock Island High School alum Courtney Lindsey. He's a member of the men's 4-by-100 track team that qualified to compete in Paris. He's looking forward to the opportunity to carve his name into track history.
"A lot of people don't get to go to the Olympics and be part of an Olympic team and participate. Just being there and actually running for my country, that'd be amazing," Lindsey said.
And in between all his training, Lindsey's had plenty of time to reflect. When asked what advice he would give to current high school athletes who are hoping to compete in the biggest athletic event in the world, he told them that the sky's the limit.
"Just stay focused and dream big. I would say anything is possible, and if you actually want to achieve something, keep striving for it. You can do it," Lindsey said.
You can learn more about Lindsey's journey to Paris in the interview below.
But the Quad Cities won't just be represented on solid ground. Emily Delleman, a graduate of Davenport Central High School, will be competing on the rowing team. While she was finishing her training for the competition, she said her teammates have helped get her ready for the opportunity.
"Right now, it very much feels like business as usual with a little extra pizzazz, but talking to some of the other athletes who've been to the games, they've said it's a whole other level of experience. I'm not even quite sure what's in store," Delleman said.
The rower told aspiring athletes that it isn't just natural talent that gets someone to the Olympics. It's lots of hard work and dedication that brings someone to the biggest stage in sports.
"You might not have a natural gift for the sport, but just persevering through and making sure you find something you love to do and enjoy, not letting the negative voices get in your head. With enough time and hard work, you can make anything happen," Delleman said.
You can learn more about Delleman in the interview below.
