Training for the Olympic trials

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Content TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPIC TRIALS by Samantha McDonald ________________________________________________________________________ A Thesis Presented to the FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF ARTS (BROADCAST JOURNALISM) May 2012 Copyright 2012 Samantha McDonald ii i i Table of Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………iii Training for the Olympic Trials Script…………………………………………………………………………………….1 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….18 iii i i i Abstract The Olympic games are the highest level of competition for a track athlete, and the path to the 2012 London Olympics is grueling. The first step to making the team is performing well at the upcoming Olympic Trials in July. Only the top 3 athletes in each event will proceed. The journey is even more challenging—but also more meaningful— with the players’ unique obstacles. This documentary profiles three track and field athletes—and Olympic hopefuls: Bryshon Nellum, Reggie Wyatt, and Brysun Stately. Nellum, a senior 400 meter runner at USC, enters his first track season at USC since completing surgeries for removing bullets from his leg. After entering USC as the fastest runner in the country, two gang members shot Nellum in his legs. This is his first season since the incident that he feels completely healthy again. Wyatt is a junior 400 meter hurdler at USC, and among the top runners in the country, but struggles with the recent loss of both of his grandparents. Stately, a 2009 USC graduate, has already made the Olympic trials in 2008, but did not make the team. She strives to make her second attempt a success. The purpose of this story is to show the intense work, sacrifices, heartbreaks, and rewards-- both personal and professional—involved in training for the Olympic trials. To provide full context for the three athletes’ journey, their story is supplemented by expert interviews, including the Coach of USC track and field team, professional masseuse Bill Theriault, and a 2008 Olympic qualifier. 1 Training for the Olympic Trials Script TRT 16:00 By Samantha McDonald NAT SOUND FULL Bryshon Nellum and Reggie Wyatt running and winning the 4X400 relay at a USC home meet (March 24, 2012). Fans cheering wildly in the stands. 1 NAT SOUND FULL BRYSHON NELLUM CG: Bryshon Nellum, USC 400m Runner Nellum actuality interview on USC Track after finishing his race 2 Nellum: This race puts me in a position to think that I’m going to have a great season. I’m ready for the Olympic Trials, baby! NAT SOUND FULL Sequence of Brysun Stately pole vaulting at practice at USC 3 SOT BRYSUN STATELY CG: Brysun Stately, Professional Pole Vaulter Stately Interview at Stately’s home 4 They say all pole vaulters have to be daredevils or crazy because it goes against all rational thinking to actually pole vault. NAT SOUND FULL 5 2 Sequence of Reggie Wyatt hurdling at practice at USC SOT REGGIE WYATT CG: Reggie Wyatt, USC 400m Hurdler Wyatt Interview at USC Track 6 I like the 400 because it’s tough. And jumping over the hurdles makes it even harder, so it’s even more of a challenge. Some people say its torture; it’s a painful race. But I think it’s exciting. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Wyatt and Nellum looking at Olympic statues on the USC track Player bios 7 NELLUM, WYATT, AND STATELY ARE ALL TRAINING FOR THE 2012 OLYMPIC TRIALS THIS AUGUST IN OREGON. THE TRIALS WILL DETERMINE WHICH ATHLETES GET TO REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES AT THE LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES. NELLUM AND WYATT ARE BOTH JUNIORS AT USC, AND STATELY IS A 2009 GRADUATE. SOT LIONEL LARRY CG: Lionel Larry, Professional 400m Runner for Adidas Larry Interview at USC Track 8 The reason the Olympics are the biggest game is because they only come around every 4 years. In a track athlete’s career, those next 3 years might be the end of the career, so that’s what makes them so valuable. So everything. The first thing you think about with track and field is the Olympics. VO NARRATOR Sequence (Youtube clip) of Larry running the 400m at the 2008 Olympic Trials 9 PROFESSIONAL ADIDAS RUNNER LIONEL LARRY HAS BEEN THROUGH THE DRILL. HE QUALIFIED FOR THE 2008 BEIJING 3 OLYMPICS IN THE 400 METER RELAY, BUT AN INJURY PREVENTED HIM FROM COMPETING. ACHIEVING THAT FIRST STEP TO BECOMING AN OLYMPIAN, THOUGH, ALLOWS HIM TO NOT ONLY BETTER PREPARE FOR THIS YEAR’S TRIALS, BUT ALSO GIVE USEFUL ADVICE TO HIS FRIENDS AND TRAINING PARTNERS NELLUM AND WYATT. SOT LARRY Sequence (Youtube clip) of Larry running the 400m at the 2008 Olympic Trials 10 Me being the older athlete, I’m typically helping them along the way. But I keep a couple tricks up my sleeve. But that’s just the name of the sport. That’s what I push for. Competition is the reason I compete in track. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Nellum and Wyatt looking at Olympic statues on the USC track 11 BUT NELLUM, WYATT, AND STATELY HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN JUST THEIR UNIVERSITY AFFILIATION AND OLYMPIC DREAMS. SOT ROBERT BIVENS CG: Robert Bivens, Director of the USC Trojan Force Bivens Interview in USC Track and Field Museum 12 These kids have learned to run with a lot of pain. They internalize that pain and they get rid of it on the track. And that’s why they’re so fierce. VO NARRATOR Sequence of BIvens running at practice at USC 13 ROBERT BIVENS IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE TROJAN FORCE, A UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ATHLETICS 4 ORGANIZATION THAT WORKS TO MAINTAIN AND BUILD UPON SCHOOL SPIRIT IN TRACK AND FIELD. SOT BIVENS Bivens Interview 14 Their personal tragedies can become their personal triumphs. It’s part of life. Losing a race…well, what’s worse? Losing a family member, or losing a part of yourself. NAT SOUND FULL Sequence of Bryshon running at practice 15 SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 16 The 400m puts hair on your chest. It’s a man’s race. It’s not just a 10 second sprint. It’s a 45 second sprint and a lot of people can’t do that. VO NARRATOR Sequence (youtbue clip) of Nellum running and winning a meet at 2007 USATF Nationals 17 BRYSHON NELLUM WAS THE FASTEST 400-METER RUNNER IN THE COUNTRY WHEN HE WAS A SENIOR AT LONG BEACH POLY HIGH SCHOOL, IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA. HE WAS UNDEFEATED. IN 2007, HE WAS HONORED AS THE GATORADE NATIONAL BOYS TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. SOT NELLUM 18 My senior year of high school I ran 45.3 in the 400. That puts me in the A standard for the Olympics. If you’re in the A standard you may as well continue running. SOT COACH RON ALLICE CG: Coach Ron Alice, USC Director of Track and Field 19 He was the finest high school track athlete in America, period. 5 Alice Interview in the track and field building VO NARRATOR Photos of Nellum in a 2009 LA Times Magazine profile on him 20 BUT A LIFE-THREATENING INJURY THREE YEARS AGO—NELLUM’S FRESHMAN YEAR AT USC--INTERRUPTED HIS TRACK CAREER. HE AND A TRACK RECRUIT WERE AT A HALLOWEEN PARTY. SOT NELLUM Photos of Nellum’s leg Sequence of Nellum receiving a leg massage 21 And were having a ball, having a good time. We were leaving the club. It was time for me to take him back home. I just heard a shotgun, and boom! Next thing you know, I was shot in both legs. I don’t know why, it just happened. I was bleeding a lot of course. Blood was everywhere. Holes through my leg. You could see everything. It wasn’t good. SOT WYATT Wyatt Interview 22 It was a shock to me because this guy was one of the best in the country. Especially in high school, he was. So it had me shocked. Because I wanted him out there on the track. Everyone did. SOT NELLUM Sequence of weight room exercise 23 It could have been career ending, but I just kept fighting on. Whatever I had to do to get back on the track, that’s what I had to do. I got three surgeries. There were fragments all through my legs. SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 24 Dang, this was in my leg? Big old chunks of metal in my leg? I’m just glad they’re out, it’s finally out. So let’s get to work. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Nellum walking 25 NELLUM WENT THROUGH SEVERAL SURGERIES TO REPAIR HIS LEG, AFTER WHICH HE WAS IN A WHEELCHAIR ON AND OFF FOR THREE YEARS. 6 SOT NELLUM Sequence of Nellum walking 26 I couldn’t really get that full stride, that full speed that I had before my incident. It took a while for me to get back to 100 percent. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Allice walking and coaching Nellum 27 COACH RON ALICE IS THE DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD AT USC. SOT ALLICE Allice Interview 28 That’s the first time he’s been able to do that workout, the way he ran it today, with that kind of performance (in a non-competitive environment) in 4 years. Based upon what I’m seeing in practice, I believe he will run faster than he ever has in his life. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Nellum interacting with Coach Allice 29 NELLUM SAYS HE STILL HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT. HE FACED HIS ATTACKERS DURING THEIR TRIAL IN 2011. SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 30 I wanted to know why? Why? For what? Why? That’s all I wanted to know. I still don’t know. I wasn’t able to talk to them. But at least I was able to look at them in the eyes…. VO NARRATOR Photos of newspaper headlines 31 THE TWO SHOOTERS—TWO GANG MEMBERS FROM INGLEWOOD-- WERE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON EACH. SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 32 Whatever their accomplishment was, it was dumb. Whatever they were trying to accomplish, because they didn’t accomplish what they were trying to. Because I’m back on the track and they’re sitting behind bars like an idiot. NAT SOUND FULL BRYSHON NELLUM Nellum getting weights in weight room 33 Two wheels baby! 225! Two wheels! 7 VO NARRATOR 34 NELLUM SAYS ALL OF HIS TEAMMATES AND TRAINING PARTNERS SUPPORT HIM COMPLETELY. SOT NELLUM Sequence of Nellum in weight room 35 Every single one of them. They always ask how are you doing today, are you ok, do you need anything? NAT SOUND FULL LIONEL LARRY Sequence of Nellum training in weight room with Larry 36 Larry: Get through it! Two more! Get through it, make it count! Make it count! NAT SOUND FULL SOT BILL THERIAULT CG: Bill Theriault, Professional Massage Therapist Theriault actuality interview, massaging Nellum Sequence of Theriault massaging Nellum 37 This is the first year that he doesn’t have any pain. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Theriault massaging Nellum 38 BILL THERIAULT HAS SERVED AS A MASSAGE THERAPIST FOR USC’S TRACK ATHLETES FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS. NAT SOUND FULL BILL THERIAULT And BRYSHON NELLUM Theriault showing scars on Nellum’s leg 39 Theriault: The pain was mostly in these incisions right here Because there was so much scar tissue that was in there. He still has some pellets in there, right? Nellum: No, they’re all gone Theriault: They’re all gone! Watch out world, Nellum’s back 8 Nellum: yessir Theriault: Nellum’s back. SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 40 Some people want to retaliate and break down and just not be the same person. It actually makes me a better person. It makes you thankful to wake up the next morning. You’re thankful to have friends, you’re thankful to just smile. It’s the little things that count. And for me to have that, I’m like, I’m good. SOT NELLUM Sequence of leg exercise 41 All I want to do is just qualify for the Olympics, that’s pretty much my goal. NAT SOUND FULL LIONEL LARRY and BRYSHON NELLUM Nellum and Larry training: leg exercise 42 Larry: Cmon, who you gonna be? Where you gonna be? Cmon, cmon Nellum: Just bring it home baby! Larry: Where you gonna be? 10 seconds cmon! Cmon cmon cmon! Go through the tape, go through the tape! Cmon! Done. Nellum: Woooo! Championship work baby, championship work! SOT WYATT Wyatt Interview 43 There’s no way you that something like that can happen to you and for you to keep going and be still as good as you are, it’s awesome. So for me, every time I go out on the track and train, it makes me want to train harder. SOT WYATT Wyatt Interview Sequence (old footage) of 2009 CA State championship meet, 300m hurdles record 44 My junior year of high school, my time in the hurdles was fast enough to make it to the Olympic trials. I was 17, running against professionals. I remember thinking, I’m really there. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Wyatt stretching at practice 45 LAST SEASON, SOPHOMORE WYATT EARNED ALL-AMERICAN HONORS IN THE 400M HURDLES AND 400M RELAY. 9 HE IS RANKED 8 TH BEST 400M HURDLER IN USC’S HISTORY. BUT HE SAYS A LOSS IN HIS FAMILY CREATED A BIG CHALLENGE FOR HIM PERSONALLY SOT WYATT Wyatt Interview Sequence of Wyatt running 47around track 46 I lost my grandfather last season. It was tough on me the whole season because I was going in and out of the hospital. Seeing him laying on that hospital bed was hard for me. I also lost my grandmother, which was tough too. She was 99. They came to all my major track meets. They came to all my NCAA championships. All the little small meets here. It was awesome having them here. The loved sports, and watching me. They were proud of me. SOT WYATT 47 I was training hard. My whole demeanor changed. But losing someone like that makes you want to work harder at what you do. It made me work ten times harder. SOT WYATT 48 I think about them all the time because I know they’re looking down on me. So I have to make them proud. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Stately pole vaulting 49 NELLUM AND WYATT’S FORMER TEAMMATE BRYSUN STATELY HAS A A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHALLENGE: SUCCEEDING AT HER SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE THE OLYMPICS. SHE MADE IT TO OLYMPIC TRIALS—IN 2008—BUT DID NOT MAKE THE TEAM. SOT STATELY Stately Interview 50 It was really nerve-wracking. I was the youngest one on the field. It was the biggest meet I’d ever been to in my entire life. 10 VO NARRATOR Photos of Stately competing 51 THE POLE VAULTERS WERE GIVEN THREE JUMPS TO TRY TO MAKE IT OVER THE BAR AT EACH HEIGHT. BUT EACH TIME STATELY JUMPED, SHE HIT THE BAR. SOT STATELY Stately Interview 52 I didn’t relax, got on too big of a pole too early and just didn’t do anything right pretty much. SOT STATELY Sequence of Stately preparing her pole for a jump at practice 53 I’ve learned enough to make the changes so that I could go out there and it could be the best meet off my life and I could make the team. VO NARRATOR 54 REACHING HER DREAMS, SAYS STATELY, IS FIGURING OUT HOW TO DO BETTER THE SECOND TIME AROUND. SOT STATELY 55 It’s prepping, making sure I know my pole sequence before the meet. And mentally preparing as well as physically. NAT SOUND FULL BRYSUN STATELY Stately putting glue on her pole 56 Stately: It’s like super glue kind of, basically. It makes your hands super-stick to the pole. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Stately preparing her pole for a jump at practice 57 CURRENTLY, STATELY SAYS SHE IS JUMPING WELL ENOUGH IN PRACTICE TO MAKE HER SECOND SHOT AT THE TRIALS A SUCCESS. SOT STATELY 58 I’ve had jumps that were over 14 feet, some that would clear a 15 foot bar. That would make the team. VO NARRATOR 59 THE THREE ATHLETES EACH HAVE 11 Sequence of Wyatt warming up at practice RIGOROUS WORKOUT ROUTINES AS THEY TRAIN FOR THE OLYMPICS. SOT COACH ALLICE Alice interview 60 If you want to go to the trials, you have to be consistent. Because you go through a series of qualifying rounds. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Larry training in the weight room 61 AT THE TRIALS, THERE ARE THREE ROUNDS FOR EACH EVENT. THE TOP 3 OF EACH ROUND MAKE THE OLYMPIC TEAM. SOT LARRY Larry Interview 62 The training we do is more than enough to prepare you for 3 rounds. At that point, training shouldn’t be what you’re worried about. You’re physically prepared, it’s just are you mentally ready to go to battle for 3 rounds. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Larry running around the track 63 ALTHOUGH COMPETITORS HAVE TO ACHIEVE A PARTICULAR MARK IN ORDER TO COMPETE AT THE TRIALS, IT IS ONLY THEIR PERFORMANCE AT THE TRIALS—NOT AT ANY OTHER MEET BEFORE—THAT DETERMINES WHETHER THEY MAKE THE TEAM. SOT LARRY Larry Interview 64 Over the past 6 or 7 years, my personal best, top 7 or 8 times I’ve ever produced will make the team. That gives me a ray of hope. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t do it that day. …..There’s no telling who it could be. Sometimes you start with 40 people and end up with 3, or 6 in my particular event. You could come in the favorite and be out the first round. SOT WYATT 65 I’m doing more conditioning now, so I’ll be a lot stronger in the weight room. Really pumping it 12 Sequence of Wyatt weight lifting up. It’s way more intense. SOT WYATT Sequence of Wyatt cooking and eating a meal 66 As far as nutrition, I make sure I eat nutritiously every day SOT NELLUM 67 You have to have that energy. You have to have certain foods, certain vitamins in your system for you to work out. Because you’re working out intensely, you’re working out every part of your body. NAT SOUND FULL REGGIE WYATT Sequence of Wyatt taking a bite of his meal 68 Wyatt: It’s delicious! SOT WYATT Sequence of Wyatt running on the track at practice 69 The hardest part of the 400 meters is the last 100 meters. Because that’s when the race really begins. SOT NELLUM 70 Coming off that last curve, you gotta stay strong coming home. That’s when you’re most fatigued. SOT WYATT 71 My biggest strength is my get out. I get out really fast. And pretty much people can’t hang with me. SOT COACH ALLICE Alice Interview 72 His anatomical advantage is being tall. His inseam is so long. That stride he has. SOT NELLUM Sequence of Nellum running on the track 73 I kick at the end. I’m known to kick at the end. Run people down at the end. SOT STATELY Stately Interview 74 I used to be reckless and do really crazy things, and think “who cares if I break my leg? I don’t care!” VO NARRATOR Sequence of Stately vaulting at practice with her new coach 75 ONE MONTH AGO, STATELY SWITCHED COACHES. SHE NOW TRAINS WITH A TWO-TIME OLYMPIAN, AND NOTICES A CHANGE IN HER JUMPS. 13 SOT STATELY 76 He just watched me at a meet earlier on in the year and saw that I was having a rough time. And he came up to me and said he knows I have a lot of potential and would be willing to work with me and I said yes! SOT NELLUM Sequence of Wyatt weight- lifting with Nellum behind him 77 I don’t go out with my friends. I go to bed early. People call me at certain times and I don’t answer because I need my rest. You sacrifice your social life. SOT WYATT Sequence of Wyatt warming up for practice 78 You’re an athlete and you’re in the limelight, so everyone’s watching you. Kids look up to you. My whole lifestyle is a lot different from others. SOT BIVENS Bivens Interview 79 We have some athletes where we have to force them to warm up because we go to the track meet and everyone wants to talk to them. Because they see them as idols. NAT SOUND FULL Sequence of Wyatt walking through a crowd of his teammates 80 Teammate to Reggie: I heard you ran 59:00. That’s pretty cool! SOT BIVENS 81 So these kids have become not just young men and women, but idols and icons for their peers, and for those under them and above them. SOT STATELY Stately Interview 82 If I make that team, I can say for the rest of my life for one year I didn’t eat a candy bar, I didn’t go snowboarding, and I just trained. And I can say for the rest of my life that I’m an actual Olympian, I went to the Olympics. SOT WYATT Sequence of Stately pole vaulting 83 It is an individual sport at the end of the day. Whatever you do on the track is for you. But it makes it so much more exciting when you see your teammates out there working hard. When he wins, it makes you want to do the same thing. It makes you want to contribute. SOT NELLUM Nellum Interview 84 It just makes me competitive in life. Never give up, always keep fighting. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Stately playing with her dogs 85 STILL, THE ATHLETES DO FIND TIME TO LEAD NORMAL LIVES. FOR BRYSUN 14 STATELY, HER DOGS ARE PART OF HER DAILY ROUTINE. NAT SOUND FULL BRYSUN STATELY Sequence of Stately kissing her dogs 86 Stately: Wanna give me kisses? Dude, give me more! Good girl. SOT STATELY Sequence of Stately playing with her dogs 87 Whenever she has to go to the vet, my fiancé says “You have to jump for Nauty to pay for her next vet visit!” So it gives me that kind of motivation. Mama has got to make money jumping high so she can buy her treats and pay for all the food she eats! NAT SOUND FULL BRYSUN STATELY Actuality interview of Stately playing with her dogs 88 Stately: She’s the boss of them. I think that’s why I like her more. Because she’s the dominant one. She’s teeny tiny and he could beat her up at any time but he does what she says. (Unseen) Friend: Is that like you? Stately: Haha, yup. She’s the little boss. NAT SOUND FULL BRYSHON NELLUM Nellum and Wyatt playing basketball 89 Nellum: I can make this shot! SOT WYATT Sequence of Wyatt slam- dunking the basketball 90 It just gets your mind off stuff—away form the track and from everything else. It’s just about putting the ball in the basket. SOT NELLUM Sequence of Nellum dribbling the basketball 91 Instead of me always thinking about track I can just have fun. I can play with my other skills, use my arms instead of my legs all the time. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Nellum running around the track during the race 92 NELLUM AND WYATT HAD THEIR FIRST MEET OF THE SEASON IN FEBRUARY. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY COULD SEE THE RESULTS OF THEIR HARD WORK. 15 THE TWO COMPETED TOGETHER IN THE 4X400 RELAY AND WON. NAT SOUND FULL REGGIE WYATT Wyatt actuality interview in front of the Claremont College Track after his race 93 I’m right on pace where I need to be – as far as time wise and fitness wise. So I feel confident and great about that SOT WYATT Sequence of Wyatt running in his race 94 A couple of my grandparents made it today to support me. And it’s a blessing they’re still here. It keeps me going. NAT SOUND FULL BRYSHON NELLUM Nellum actuality interview in front of the Claremont College track after his race 95 I’m on the right track right now. I do feel like I’m back and 100 percent. This is still the beginning and I got a lot to look forward to. SOT NELLUM Sequence of Nellum finishing the race 96 I did it for myself. Just to build my confidence back, to know that I can get back on the track and run hard. Of course I did it for my loved ones, the ones who still support me. I want to go at least 45 out the hole, first leg, that will keep everybody else to go fast and hopefully we can break this national record this year. VO NARRATOR Photos of the race 97 NELLUM AND WYATT RAN THE 4X400 RELAY AT A USC INVITATIONAL, EARNING THE FASTEST TIME IN THE WORLD IN 2012. THEIR RELAY TEAM’S TIME RANKS THE SECOND BEST IN USC HISTORY, AND THEY ARE ONLY 3 SECONDS AWAY FROM A NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 16 RECORD. NAT SOUND FULL Sequence of fans cheering after the 4X400 relay team finishes the race 98 VO NARRATOR Sequence (Home video footage) of Stately pole vaulting in Taiwan 99 STATELY VAULTED IN TAIWAIN IN MARCH, 2012. SHE EARNED SECOND PLACE IN THE COMPETITION. SHE SAID SHE FEELS MORE READY FOR THE TRIALS THAN EVER. SOT LARRY Larry Interview 100 I’ve been to large meets before, I’ve performed well in large meets. But there’s nothing like the Olympic trials. So having my parents around and my friends around made it feel a little smaller. VO NARRATOR Sequence of Larry walking off the track with Nellum and Wyatt 101 ALTHOUGH LIONEL STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING YOUR TEAMMATES, HE ALSO ADVISES HOPEFUL OLYMPIANS TO FOCUS PRIMARILY ON THEMSELVES ONCE THEY GET TO THE TRIALS. SOT LARRY Larry Interview 102 We’ll talk and hang out, but when it comes time to start buckling down, it will be every man for himself. Bryshon will have to beat me, and I will have to beat him. Not really too much we can do about that. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re training for. NAT SOUND FULL BILL THERIAULT Theriault massaging Nellum 103 Theriault: He’s ready. He’s ready for a big year. The best year of his life, coming up. And then it’s just going to get better from there. 17 SOT COACH ALLICE Alice Interview 104 That’s a special time. That’s a special time physically and mentally when you know you’re ready. NAT SOUND FULL COACH ALLICE Coach Alice signaling the start of a race during practice 105 Coach Alice: Ready? And… [whistle blow] Coach Alice: Make me proud! I’ve got three watches on this. 18 Bibliography Allice, Ron. Personal Interview. November 2011. Bivens, Robert. Personal Interview, November 2011. Larry, Lionel. Personal Interview. March 2012. Nellum, Bryshon. Personal Interview. November 2011. Stately, Brysun. Personal Interview. November 2011, March 2012. Theriault, Bill. Personal Interview. November 2011. The 2012 London Olympic Games. <“London 2012.” http://www.london2012.com/> Last accessed Mar. 25, 2012. USC’s Official Athletic Site- Track and Field. “Roster.” <http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/c-track/mtt/usc-c-track-mtt.html> Last accessed Mar. 25, 2012. Wyatt, Reggie. Personal Interview. November 2011. Committee Members: Dan Birman (Chair), Joe Saltzman, Larry Pryor Subject Category: Journalism 0391

Abstract (if available)

Abstract The Olympic games are the highest level of competition for a track athlete, and the path to the 2012 London Olympics is grueling. The first step to making the team is performing well at the upcoming Olympic Trials in July. Only the top 3 athletes in each event will proceed. The journey is even more challenging—but also more meaningful—with the players’ unique obstacles. ❧ This documentary profiles three track and field athletes—and Olympic hopefuls: Bryshon Nellum, Reggie Wyatt, and Brysun Stately. Nellum, a senior 400 meter runner at USC, enters his first track season at USC since completing surgeries for removing bullets from his leg. After entering USC as the fastest runner in the country, two gang members shot Nellum in his legs. This is his first season since the incident that he feels completely healthy again. Wyatt is a junior 400 meter hurdler at USC, and among the top runners in the country, but struggles with the recent loss of both of his grandparents. Stately, a 2009 USC graduate, has already made the Olympic trials in 2008, but did not make the team. She strives to make her second attempt a success. ❧ The purpose of this story is to show the intense work, sacrifices, heartbreaks, and rewards-- both personal and professional—involved in training for the Olympic trials. To provide full context for the three athletes’ journey, their story is supplemented by expert interviews, including the Coach of USC track and field team, professional masseuse Bill Theriault, and a 2008 Olympic qualifier.

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Creator McDonald, Samantha (author)

Core Title Training for the Olympic trials

School Annenberg School for Communication

Degree Master of Arts

Degree Program Journalism (Broadcast Journalism)

Publication Date 05/17/2012

Defense Date 05/16/2012

Publisher University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag Athletics,coaches,comeback story,Exercise,failure,Family,hurdles,injury,Los Angeles,masseuse,OAI-PMH Harvest,Olympics,Pain,pole vault,recovery,runners,second chances,Shooting,Sports,Students,teammates,Track and field,track practice,USC,weight training,win

Language English

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Advisor Birman, Daniel H. (committee chair), Pryor, Larry (committee member), Saltzman, Joe (committee member)

Creator Email samantharmcdonald@gmail.com

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c3-39962

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Legacy Identifier etd-McDonaldSa-855.pdf

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Rights McDonald, Samantha

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Source University of Southern California (contributing entity), University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses (collection)

Access Conditions The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...

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