Decathlete Bryan Clay Made Me Cry
A Morning of Inspiration and Pride

Gold medalist Bryan Clay was one of over 1,400 people that participated in the annual Chicago Principal for a Day Program. I had the opportunity to join other members of the 2016 team and spend the morning with Bryan at Bronzeville’s DuSable Campus.

 

First things first – a Decathlete competes in ten sports over two days.  It is tradition to for the gold medalist to also be known as the best athlete in the world. That’s right, the best athlete in the WORLD.

From the moment I met Bryan, I felt chills.  I ran track in high school, but was nowhere near the athletic ability that Clay possesses in one pinky. Bryan’s dream of becoming an Olympian began at 8– when he saw Carl Lewis win the gold medal. A native of Hawaii, Bryan turned to sports to squash the anger and struggles he faced as a child.  After 20 years of sacrificing time with friends, late nights out and sleeping in, Bryan Clay won the gold medal in Beijing.

 I asked Bryan how it felt to be an Olympian. I realized that he must get asked this question numerous times a day. After all, he’s only been home for two nights at a time since Beijing (he begins training next week). As we walked into the gym for the 10 am assembly, Bryan told me his thoughts on the Olympic movement, what it means and why Chicagoans and Americans alike should be excited for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games.

 After a few sentences about pride in your country, love for your fellow athletes and accomplishing a major goal, I realized I was tearing up. I watched the reaction on the students’ faces as they listened to Bryan as he shared his story and I saw smiles, excitement and future Olympians high-fiving each other. I hope each and every one of them submits a video for the Why Chicago video contest!

 Thank you to DuSable Campus for hosting us and thank you Chicago Public Schools for a fantastic day.  Look for the video of the festivities soon!