In the lead-up to the 2009 Track & Field World Championships in Berlin, Shannon Rowbury was ready to take on the world, and I was just starting out as a coach. I had just started working with Shannon earlier that year, but we quickly developed a strong relationship, and mutual trust. She was on fire the entire season, and her training leading up to the World Championships was on point, marked by a win in the 1500m at the US Championships earlier that summer.
However, just a couple of weeks before Berlin, Shannon experienced a tough situation when her significant other decided to end their relationship. It was completely unexpected and could have easily thrown her off course. But Shannon didn't let it get to her. Instead, she showed her strength by adjusting to the situation and moving forward with determination.
At the World Championships, our team made a collective decision to skip the athlete hotel sponsored by USATF. Instead, we opted to rent an apartment near the iconic Brandenburg Gate. The idea was to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere with some added comforts—a kitchen and washer/dryer for laundry were definitely perks. Plus, being right next to a large park was a bonus. But, as luck would have it, our plan hit a snag. After just one night, Shannon found herself dealing with a bed bug infestation. Not good! This required us to move apartments immediately. So much for a more relaxing environment.
On the first day of competition, the trials continued for Shannon when she took a tumble early in the first round of the heats. Another athlete's misstep caused her to lose her footing and fall. According to IAAF rules, we had the option to petition for Shannon to advance to the next round under protest, but only if she completed the race. She did finish, though she was far behind due to the fall. This setback was tough for anyone to handle, especially someone used to being at the front of the pack.
Thanks to a successful petition, she advanced to the semifinals. She shrugged off the mishap from the first round and focused on the task at hand. However, the challenges persisted—a weather delay before the semifinals added another layer of difficulty. We waited anxiously for hours for the semifinal to begin, but when it was finally time to race, Shannon executed the race plan flawlessly and secured her spot in the finals. The plan was simple: stay towards the front of the pack the entire time, rely on her strength to finish strong in the last 400-600 meters, and make the final! Despite a well-run semifinal, she encountered yet another setback when she misplaced her phone after the race. Losing your phone is not the end of the world. It just seemed like if it could go wrong, it did. Regardless, Shannon remained resilient, refusing to let any of it derail her from her mission: to stand on that podium.
Against all odds, Shannon's determination never wavered. When it seemed like a podium finish was out of reach, she ran one of the grittiest races of her life in that final and clinched a third-place finish. She was on the podium! It was a momentous achievement, Shannon was the first American to win a medal in the event since Regina Jacobs in 1999. Despite her long and incredibly successful professional running career, this podium finish at the Outdoor World Championships marked her sole medal at an outdoor global championship. And I felt so proud to have played a role in her success in Berlin.
Shannon's journey at the Championships stands as a powerful testament to the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite every obstacle thrown her way, she refused to be deterred by excuses or setbacks, embodying the essence of a true champion. I've shared her story with countless athletes over the years to emphasize the significance of thorough preparation for our goals. It serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, success is achievable, no matter the challenges we may encounter along the way.
Comentarios