The Oregon Track Club held its annual dinner this past Tuesday inside the The Club room at Autzen Stadium for its ever-growing membership. About 350 of the club’s 1,800 members were in attendance.
The first part of the program included new president Bill Kelly leading the club updates and Tom Jordan updating the group about the Prefontaine Classic. The second part of the program featured Vin Lananna giving a look into what to expect for 2012 and beyond as TrackTown USA becomes an internationally known track and field venue. Lananna also brought up his Oregon staff and athletes Travis Thompson and English Gardner.
OTC Elite coach Mark Rowland talked about the 2011 accomplishments of his team and highlighted the world-medal winning performances of Jesse Williams, Ashton Eaton and Sally Kipyego (Watch OTC Elite 2011 Highlights).
Tuesday’s keynote speaker was OTC Elite athlete Lauren Fleshman and her motivating message was for everyone be a dreamer. Fleshman, who resides in Eugene with her triathlete husband Jesse Thomas, said she has been a lifelong dreamer and without it, she wouldn’t not be where she is today.
“When you’re a dreamer, heart break and failure come with the territory,” said Fleshman. “But I can definitely tell you it is still worth it, because it is a way of living that is that is both moving and memorable.”
Watch her whole speech below.
For Lauren’s endeavors outside of running, check out the following links. Picky Bars | Believe I am | Ask Lauren Fleshman
Just in case you need more motivation, here are some quotes about being a dreamer.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable” – Christopher Reeve
Be sure to be in the stands to watch many dreams come true as athletes chase after their dreams of being an Olympian during TrackTown12, the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Track and Field. Get your Tickets.
To get a sneak peek of your favorite athletes competing this weekend, check out the Millrose Games, with headliners like LaShawn Merritt; the Flotrack Husky Classic, with Ashton Eaton and many other Pacific Northwest stars in attendance; and the USATF Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the likes of Galen Rupp and Jill Camerena-Williams highlighting the field.
