Eleven gold, four silver and three bronze: these are the collective medal totals of Sanya Richards-Ross, Olympic track and field runner, Tatyana McFadden, Paralympian track and field runner, and Matt Stutzman, armless archer for the Team USA, who stood before students in the Titan Dome Oct. 24 to share their experiences as athletes who overcame obstacles.

SANYA RICHARDS-ROSS

Born in Jamaica, Sanya Richards-Ross, Olympic track and field runner, was just taking her first strides as a runner at the age of seven. By the time she was 12, Richards and her family moved to Florida, where she participated in track and field throughout high school.

“[I] dedicated myself to my sport. I started to do 1000 crunches a day [senior year…] I had the most successful season out of any high school athlete,” Richards explained.

She was named National High School Female Athlete of the Year, USA Track and Field’s Youth Athlete of the Year and Gatorade’s National Player of the Year for girls’ track and field, among others. Richards explained the level of commitment and dedication required to be a top athlete, as she had pulled a hamstring not allowing her to participate in  State for a third time her junior year.

“It was hard sometimes to say no, and this is what I want to do, I’m really passionate. But when I had to pick, I did, and I did really, really well which paid off,” Richards explained. “So for me, remembering being on top of that podium and not wanting to be injured again and not wanting to not run well, those things kept me really focused. I look back on it now and I remember in high school, I was voted ‘most likely to be successful’ and they were right […] it was tough in the moment because people are going to say you’re a nerd or whatever, but the day when you’re able to do what you love to do, and at a very high level, that means more than anything in the world.”

By 2005, Richards was ranked the number one 400 meter runner in the world, holds the American record for the 400 and is currently the fastest woman in the world.

“When I broke the American record in the 400, to become the fastest American ever to run the 400 was very special,” she said.

However, Richards began to struggle when she discovered she had Behcet’s disease, a rare autoimmune disease that can potentially be fatal. Though it caused difficulties in training and her career, Richards pushed herself to overcome the obstacle.

“Hard work does pay off and perseverance is extremely important,” she said.

Since then, she worked to qualify for the Beijing Olympics where she won a bronze medal in addition to her first gold medal, which she described as one of her favorite moments. According to Richards, people told her she nearly jumped across the finish line.

Through it all, Richards finds the most special thing about the Olympics to be that the entire world stops and unites over something peaceful.

“It’s a great feeling to be a part of that where everybody in the entire world is represented there,” she said. “It’s just a great feeling to be a part of something that’s so much bigger than yourself, and that so many people watch and cheer. And it’s just a great vibe and energy, that feeling of hope and participation, it’s just hard to describe.”

MATT STUTZMAN

“Armless archer” Matt Stutzman was born without arms, yet displayed his ability in archery when he visited South Oct. 24. Stutzman is a member of the Para United States Archery Team and will compete at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

He explains that he does everything with his feet: driving an unmodified vehicle, doing the dishes, brushing his teeth. According to Stutzman, he requires much focus and motivation when competing.

Furthermore, Stutzman shared a memorable experience when he defeated a top archer. Stutzman broke the world record by shooting a target 230 yards away in September with his feet and explained it is better than an able-bodied archer.

“I remember going to a tournament and one of my friends, who’s ranked top ten in the world for able-bodied archers, we kind of had a side bet and he has no physical disabilities and I beat him,” he said. “That was really awesome.”

After Stutzman competes in the Olympics, he hopes to visit Disney World. While Stutzman has not yet competed in any Olympic games, he remains hopeful for the November Olympics along with the Olympics in London next year.

“I will get first my first gold in November, [and my] second one next year and one in London,” he said.

Due to the obstacles he he has overcome, Stutzman believes students can do what they put their minds to.

“Being somebody who does something without any arms, I just hope that people see that I never give up on anything I do,” he said. “No matter if the road is up or down[…]I keep moving forward. And especially if you have dreams, keep moving forward on those. Never give up. And you can do anything you put your mind to.”

TATYANA McFADDEN

Tatyana McFadden, Paralympic track and field athlete, has a physical disability that paralyzes her. She overcame this struggle and went on to win two Olympic gold medals, one Olympic bronze medal and five World Championship gold medals.

She explained that the most important thing going into a competition is focus, as it can take people incredibly far in life.

“Going into any kind of competition, you need to focus on yourself and not others because everyone is your competition, but staying focused on yourself is your goal,” she said. “And like my mom said, ‘Run fast.’ And that’s what I try to do, you know, not getting distracted.”

McFadden explained her favorite part about the Olympics is the moment just before the race begins.

“When you’re on the starting line and there’s 90,000 people cheering for you […] you can’t hear yourself think or feel your heart beat but when you win that race, the crowd cheers for you […] I think that’s my favorite part,” she explained.

Through all her past experiences and success, McFadden truly values that she is able to do what she loves.

“That one dream that you have can become a reality if you stay focused,” McFadden said. “And take that drive and determination, I mean you are going to have some failures and ups and downs, but when you succeed in that moment it’s greater than anything.”