ORLANDO, Florida (WTVF) — It is a big moment for a local runner. Caroline Cole competes on Saturday in the Olympic Trials marathon vying for a place in Paris.
She qualified for the trial after running a marathon in 2:36:09. In an interview with News Channel 5 ahead of the race she said she is feeling excited, nervous and ready to compete.
"I told someone that my Olympics was qualifying for the trials just because I'm a full-time worker and this is not my full-time job, like a lot of these ladies here today this is their career running and making money from it," Caroline said. "Coming in just knowing that I have a passion for the sport, I'm going all in tomorrow, but I want to compete you know I still want to compete. I know that I got here for a reason".
The race starts at 10:20 Est. The race will be three eight-mile loops. The top three will go to Paris and another person will be on standby if there is an injury.
This is a story I immediately went home and showed my boys - young athletes with big dreams. The Vanderbilt football team's success has stolen the spotlight - what I love about Steve Layman's story is he reveals the individual hardships it took to get there. As Clark Lea says, "we all have scuff marks." This team proves perseverance pays off!
- Carrie Sharp
