by Angela Smith, Sound Athletics Program Coordinator
Les had been pushed and injured by another athlete during the Regional Track Meet in April. Our coaching staff were very concerned about what the 2027 Track Season would look like for him and what it would do to his confidence after this experience. So, when a spot opened up on our team to advance someone from our delegation to State, Les was our guy!
We gave Les the news he was going to compete at State and he went from down in the dumps to over the moon, but he was still feeling hesitant. We talked with Les every time we saw him to let him know he was going to be safe and that wasn’t going to happen again. We really had no idea what we were setting him up for but we were all there to focus on building him up for success.
Then Sunday came around and it was time for that 200M walking race. Les and his teammate Brandon ended up in the same heat. Coach Brenda got them down to marshalling and the two sat in the marshalling area waiting for their race to be called out to the track. After an hour of waiting, chatting, and sharing water to stay hydrated, their heat was called out to the track.
As they lined up, all our coaches watched, ready to cheer them on knowing no matter what they were going to finish silver and gold. The race started and what we saw took our breaths away and then tears filled our eyes. . . Brandon did not pull away to be out in front, he walked side by side with Les! Brandon slowed down, as they approached the finish line, so his friend Les could finish first.
We met them in the awards tent and started to praise them on an amazing race. Brandon said he was protecting Les and making sure his friend was safe.
Later while we were in the stands together, Brandon said he may have gotten second place but he helped his friend get his track confidence back! As you can imagine, more tears for us all! This is what compassion, sportsmanship, friendship, and love looks like! So, at this point, we asked for a second gold medal from Nicole so Les could present it to his friend Brandon.
“These two are the heart and soul of family, teammates, sportsmanship, and so much more. I love Sound Athletics and our commitment to include everyone. It was a long weekend, but all the cheers and tears were worth it with these athletes,” said Coach Brenda Schrader.
…some fun videos from the day!
