By: Zoe Coulter

I felt the adrenaline rush. I didn’t hear a word the crowd was saying. I watched as the pavement moved under my feet. Then as I looked up my legs went numb. Everyday step I took was harder than the one before.

I didn’t understand what was happening. I became frustrated as I watched four of my competitors run pass me. As I watched my competition cross the finish line, I wanted to lay on the track and die. I felt her pain.

“I was shocked, my mind was numb,” said Lori Jones, also known as Lolo. “I worked so hard for this, and it disappeared in less than a second.”

During the 2008 Olympics Lolo Jones was competing in the 100-meter hurdle. She was roasting her competition by the time she made it to her eighth hurdle. As she leaped her right foot clipped the ninth hurdle. As she tried to regain her balance it was all over. She went from first to seventh. She crossed the finish line finish line with tears in her eyes. As she watched the playback she fell to her knees broken hearted.

Losing this race was only one challenge for Lolo to overcome. Many people only pay attention to the fame and the glory that one has achieved. We need to realize that Lolo is only human, and like some of us, she had a touch childhood.

Lolo grew up in Iowa. She attended eight different schools in a matter of eight years! Her mother often held down two jobs to support her family of six. Her father spent most of his time in the Air force or in jail.

During third grade Lolo’s family moved into the basement of a Des Moines church. When camps were provided at the church Lolo would wake up early to avoid being teased.

When Lolo’s family decided to move to Forest City, Iowa Lolo had a tough decision to make. Lolo said with determination “Mom, I can’t go to a city that doesn’t have a track. I’m trying to pursue my dream.” Lolo parted from her family. During this time Lolo lived with four different families.

It was a hard knock life for Lolo. She went from trying to make it to, living her dream. Even so Jones had it hard; she knows she can go on.

“As I crossed the finish line it was hard to pick myself up.” Jones said through teary eyes. “It took about thirty seconds but you know, today’s hard and tomorrow’s going to be harder. But what can you do but try again?”