This former Olympian showed high school students that hurdles can be overcome.
  Olympic Gold medalist Derrick Adkins gave a presentation to students at Edward R. Murrow High school on November 30th, to help convey the message that anyone can be an Olympian by working hard.
“Everybody has the potential within them to do something great at the Olympic level,” said Mr.Adkins, who won a Gold Medal in 400 -meter hurdles at the 1996 Summer Olympics Games in Atlanta, “whether it’s in sports, or something else.”
One of his Mr. Adkins main points during the presentation was pursuing goals with an “Olympic mentality”, which simply means trying your hardest at whatever it is you wish to accomplish.
The Olympian’s advice to students was to make academics a top priority, even if what you feel you are doing does not matter to you.
“[Students should]continue to put school first, no matter what it is they want to do,” said Mr. Adkins. “If you don't like what you’re studying, who cares, later on in life you're going to like what you're doing and the hard work mentality will carryover.”
The speech was organized through Gym teacher Ms. Casso. She is part of the New York Road Runners Club, which is how she was able to get Adkins to come to our school.
“His speech was interesting,” said sophomore Marcus Dormena. “I’m trying to get into shape and it inspired me.”
Gym teacher Mr. Paul Atkinson said he believes that Mr. Adkins’ speech made a difference in the Murrow community.
“I think this really inspired students to be more focused,” said Ms. Atkinson, “Derrick shows how average kids can become Olympians.”