Funmi Jimoh

The Hardest Team To Make

As I stepped off of the plane in Portland yesterday, I was a little concerned. It was around 97 degrees. The airline tricked me, we never left Houston! Well, that is what I thought, but no, we were definitely in Oregon, it was just blazing hot. I am so glad that I am finally here. I was very anxious all week just to be in Oregon. I am here, now I am happy. I have had so much support and continually have heard -- Stay focused. It is the recurring theme, one I will definitely abide by. Focus. Apparently there have been some amazing performances this far. All I have heard this week is that the U.S. team is the hardest team to make. Well I am ready to make the hardest team. There is nothing like excelling amongst the best of the best. The track is nice and warmed up for me. So now I can do what I know I can do! Well, I am off to do my warm up, and to see the final of the men's 1100m!!

It was a good day for track at Hayward Field

Good Morning all!

I would just like to say I am so excited about the way things are going. Who would have thought I would end up at a meet that I grew up watching on T.V. Who would have thought that I would rub shoulders and share the same space as some big names, and long time greats of track and field. I recently competed in the first of hopefully many Nike Prefontaine meets. It was a wonderful experience. Hayward Field is beautiful and the crowd was absolutely amazing. Not only do I feel good about my performance, I also got a chance to see history. The amazing Maria Mutola cruised to an amazing 16th win in the 800. That was wonderful. I also witnessed Brad Walker and his amazing vault that broke the 8 year old American Record. The crowd went absolutely crazy after that! It was amazing, simply amazing.

It is so great to go to a meet with lots of interactive fans. I ended up second in the meet. I jumped 6.85. It was nice to fly again. The training and the treatment I have been getting was much needed. Like coach told me, I needed a tune up. The next step is the U.S. Trials. I just want to stay focused for that and give a great performance. I truly believe that my competing at Hayward Field was a definite plus for the Trials. I have a certain amount of familiarity with the track and the area. I like familiarity. Some people gain excitement and energy from new tracks and new sites...Me, I like to know what I am getting into! Well My nose will be to the grind. Training smart, getting ready to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team!! Beijing, Here I come!!

This meet proved to be a test in more ways than one, I can say, I deserve a passing grade. I won't say an "A", But its close! I will sign off now, my 6:40 plane should board soon!

See ya Soon Funmi K. Jimoh

Funmi, you're a ferarri, you just needed a tune up......

Good Morning all,

It's amazing how you can be told something over and over, but you have to suffer before you believe. Well, I believe the rest of the world calls this being hard headed. What I am getting at is I didn't really understand the importance of treatment, sports medicine, chiropractors and other such fine professionals who keep us hard headed athletes going. So, my confession is, I was not getting proper treatment. I was not treating my body properly after working it so hard. As I was working out yesterday, Coach and I were talking about what hurts on me, what's gotten better, and what pains have recently arisen. He reminded me that as an athlete, I am like a Ferarri. You cannot run it to death and not send it in to be checked, or tuned up. This is so true. After a week of treatment I am feeling like a new person. Jumping can really take a toll on the body. All the pounding, all the force. I have to take care of my body, we all do as athletes. So I vow (and if you are like me, take this vow as well) to take care of my body. To treat every nick, and minor pain, so that it does not turn into something chronic.

To be honest, I was hard headed, but I didnt want to seem weak, or a diva, going to the trainers for every little thing. I would always say, I can work through this. I can fight the pain. But I know now, it is not about being a diva, or being weak, it is about being smart. So, I will be smart. Well off to workout for me, but.... not before seeing the trainer!

See ya soon,

FKJ