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Planoites fare well in Olympics
BY Kevin Hageland Staff Writer
There was plenty of hype and coverage surrounding Plano-trained gymnast Nastia Liukin’s accomplishments at the 2008 Olympics, and rightfully so after she earned five medals, but there were two other athletes with Plano ties in Beijing and one of them came home with a medal as well.
Both of the representatives were from Plano East with pitcher Jake Arrieta participating on the Team USA Baseball squad and triple jumper Erica McLain competing for the Americans in track and field.
McLain was considered a strong entry for the United States in the triple jump as the Stanford graduate finished third in the triple jump at the United States Olympic Trials and is the reigning NCAA Champion in the event.
But the human body doesn’t care about a person’s credentials, and that was apparent during the qualifying round.
“Although I felt mentally ready and most of my body was fit, the hi-grade tear in my left hamstring won,” McLain said on her blog (Ericaashley2008.blogspot.com). “I did my best to fight through the pain, but during my early warm-ups I felt a slight pop in that area and the pain only continued to worsen throughout my competition. I fouled my first jump, then put forth an effort of only 13.52 [meters] on my second jump; almost a meter short of what I needed for the automatic qualification.
“Frustrated and crying, I was forced to make the grueling decision to pass on my third and final jump.”
McLain’s inability to continue left her 26th out of the 36 women competing in the qualifying round.
“Tonight brought about the end of a very long competitive season,” McLain said. “While I am very sad about it, I certainly feel I did my best, all circumstances considered. Of course, an unfortunate side of athletics is having to deal with the physical injuries that come with the job.
“As my dad said, there was really no decision to be made; my injury had made the choice for me and I had to do what was best for the future of my career in this sport. The more I pushed my leg, the greater the chances for a complete tendon rupture were, which would lead to surgery and possible take me out for the next year. Even with that fact, it’s hard to accept that I was not able to be at my best. I have no doubt that at even slightly better health, I could have made the second day of competition.”
McLain went on to discuss her frustration about having to wait another four years for an Olympic opportunity, but pointed out that she can now continue to train for next year's Outdoor World Championships, which will be held in Stuttgart, Germany.
“One of my friends said I put on a brave performance and should be proud to have come out the top American in the event,” McLain said via her blog. “Thanks everyone for all of your support.”
After completing the competition portion of her stay in Beijing, McLain relished the opportunity to spend the rest of her time in China being a true tourist with her friends and family. The former Lady Panther returned to the States on Saturday.
Arrieta’s squad wins bronze
While Saturday was when McLain got to come home, it was the same day that fellow East alumnus Arrieta was hoping to win an Olympic medal.
Although dreams of gold were dashed a day earlier against Cuba, the Americans could still bring a bronze home from Beijing by defeating Japan, which won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006.
Arrieta didn’t pitch in the medal round as he had already led the United States to a 9-1 victory over China during pool play. Arrieta was the starter against the Chinese, giving up two hits, two walks and no runs while striking out seven in six innings pitched earlier in the week.
Arrieta didn’t take the bump Saturday against Japan at Wukesong Stadium, but the United States did take the bronze medal via an 8-4 victory over Japan.
The win gave the Americans their first Olympic baseball medal since winning gold at the 2000 Games. This may very well be the last baseball medal for the United States, or any country for that matter, as baseball is off the docket at the 2012 Olympics in London.
The bronze in baseball was one of the last three medals the United States won in Beijing as they topped China, 110-100, in the overall medal count.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Johnny G. wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:59 PM:
" Jake you are the best and we are so proud of all of you go USA. "
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