|
|
The
crowd on hand stands and cheers after Tri-Village graduate Clayton
Murphy finishes third at the Olympics
in Rio Monday. Murphy came from
sixth to win the bronze in a time of 1:42.93. CNO Photo by Dylan Knoop
|
|
Murphy grabs
bronze in 800 meters in Rio
Huge crowd gathers at TVHS to watch historic race
BY George Starks
NEW MADISON- With the American flag draped over his shoulders,
Tri-Village graduate, Clayton Murphy did what most can only dream of
doing.
Starting in Lane 1, Murphy had aspirations of winning gold in the 800
meters in the 2016 Olympics Monday. Murphy was able to grab a third
place finish, bringing home the bronze, giving the USA its first medal
in the event in 24 years. David Rudisha (Kenya) took the gold in a
blazing time of 1:42.15.
With the support of the hometown and Akron, Murphy’s years of training
has paid dividends. Representing Akron University, Patriot Nation is
once again proud of their hometown hero.
“I’m speechless right now,” said T-V Superintendent Josh Sagester.
“This was an unbelievable race and we are so proud of Clayton right now
and what he represents. When he took third and I saw this crowd erupt,
it brought tears to my eyes. When he draped that flag over his
shoulders, I couldn’t have been more proud. He’s very young (21) I’m
sure he’s got a few more notches in his belt. We’re very fortunate to
see him snag the bronze. ”
With the race starting and ending at a very fast pace, Patriots
athletic director, Brad Gray had all the confidence in the young
Clayton Murphy.
“This was amazing,” said the T-V, athletic director. “Who could have
thought that a kid from little old Tri-Village could be competing on a
global stage. This is the stuff that dreams are made of. Going through
high school, everyone knew he was a special talent but to think at that
time, you had a future Olympian on your hands, walking the hall, wasn’t
even a thought. I’ve known Clayton since he was a little guy and just
watching him in the phys-ed classes and playing basketball and soccer
we knew he had a competitive nature about him. ”
Looking ahead at the 2020 games in Tokyo, Murphy could return to run in
not only the 800 but the 1500 as well.
“I don’t put anything past this kid,” said Gray. “I had a good friend
of mine text me today, asking if we thought he could medal. I said yes,
he’s got a great chance. I’ve never seen this kid perform well in a
pressure situation. His time was phenomenal. He’s never run that kind
of a time before but he never had to. This kid does not surprise me
anymore. You almost expect it now. He’s a world class athlete. It’s
unbelievable.”
With everything happening in a whirlwind fashion for Murphy, coming
from one of the smallest schools in Ohio, Sagester kept it all in
perspective.
“It just goes to show you that no matter who you are or where you come
from, anything can happen. Hard work and perseverance pays off.”
Sagester said.
|
|
|
|
