Читать книгу Indiana University Olympians. From Leroy Samse to Lilly King онлайн

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By 2006, he was back on track. He had his best NCAA finish in the 400 meters, third, and ran the USA Championships at what amounted to a home stadium in Indianapolis. He was assigned the unfavorable lane 8 in the final, much like being adrift on an island. Nothing but open space ahead of you, nothing to signal who might be behind you. Nonetheless, he again finished third, lowering his time to 44.75. It was a race of inestimable value. Not only was it his last as a collegian— setting himself up for a pro contract with Nike—but it supplied experience in that outside lane.

He completed his degree in 2007 but had an undistinguished season, culminating with seventh place at the USA Championships. Afterward, he and his wife, Arial, moved to Valencia, California, so he could be coached by John Smith. Smith, who once set a 440-yard world record, had previously coached Olympic gold medalists such as Maurice Greene, Quincy Watts, Kevin Young, and Steve Lewis.

“I saw a level in him, a spirit it him, that only lives in certain people who are really and truly champions,” Smith said.