400m Final
Well it is 11:15 in the evening here and I should be getting to sleep. But for those of you that may not have seen the 400m race yet, I wanted to post my results before going to bed. Tonight’s race was absolutely incredible! I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start off my third Paralympic Games. Last night I ran my 400m semi and afterwards I felt good. I had decided going into my semi that I wanted to race sub-57 seconds and I accomplished that goal with a time of 56.10 - a new Paralympic Record. In my semi I not only wanted to test myself but also my fellow competitors. It is always good to see who rises to the challenge when another athlete runs fast.
Going into tonight’s 400m final I felt confident but also a little nervous. I suppose the nerves are what make us human and I think they only help in times like tonight. I was seeded in Lane 5, which was a good lane. I knew that in order to win I would have to focus on myself and my race and not concern myself with where my competitors were so I tried not to concern myself with my competitors on the inside lanes since I knew I wouldn’t see them at the start of the race. After a false start (caused by the starting official who mistakenly gave the wrong commands), I was a bit jittery. My arms felt a little tight after having been prepared to start but I shook them out and set myself up for our second start. This time it was a fair start. I went out hard knowing that this would give me a higher maximum speed on the back straightaway. I felt relaxed going into the second turn but I think maybe a little too relaxed. I could hear one of my competitors coming up my inside and the crowd began to yell loudly. I knew then that I was not alone in the race and coming out of the final turn I gave the race all that I had! I could see the competitor in lane 4 coming up my inside but I focus on the track ahead and powered hard. Luckily my work paid off and I crossed the line in 54.88 seconds - first place and a new world record!
Going into this final event I had hoped to run 55 seconds and thought that maybe it was possible for my to break my old world record of 55.42. When I crossed the line and saw 54.88 seconds I couldn’t help but raise my arm and smile! Never in my dreams did I think I would run sub-55 seconds! Tonight has been amazing! Now I am going to go to bed and dream about my next race - my 100m semi, which will take place at 11:20am tomorrow morning.
So long for now. Hope to write again soon with more good news.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 8:29 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
That is freakin’ awesome Jessie!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!
Mina
Wow,We are all so proud of you, congrats!!!!!! Keep it up girl! Can’t wait to read about the 100m race I have a feeling you will break another record. Our prayers our with you, get some rest.
your friends, jacqui & Harry Kapinowski
Way to go Jess. We’re a cheering for you. Keep it up!
Yay! Congrats, Jessie! Great job!! I’ve got my whole OT class rooting for you!
Congrats Jess on a great 400M. Way to go !!!
Gwena and Gerry and the Bennett Blazers
Way to Go Jessie!!! All the Liscos are very proud of you. Keep us posted!