Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School's own Josh McAdams (Class of 1998) will compete in the Steeplechase in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China on Friday, August 15th--and if he qualifies for the finals, he'll run again on Monday morning, August 18th. Josh graduated in 1998 with an impressive athletic record: 12 Varsity Letters (4 in Cross Country and All-Ohio status, 4 in Wrestling--including a 3rd-in-state finish in 1998, and 4 in Track). BBHHS wishes him the best in this unforgetable experience--we'll 'bee" cheering him on! Here's an excerpt from a recent communication from Josh as he reflects on the 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony--this follows a meeting and hand shake from President Bush, and autographs from LeBron James and the NBA Superstars--what a day for Josh!
"USA was #140 in line to enter the stadium. We left the comforts of the AC and began the long slow winding walk to the stadium. It was probably an hour before we even got to the tunnel. Leo, Lindsey, and I made sure we were next to each other, which was no small task when everyone is trying to get to the front or be next to a buddy. When we got to the tunnel, we could just see a section of seats and they were full. It had been 5 hours and 5 water bottles since we’d started our journey. It was so hot and humid. Wearing a Ralph Lauren suit and tie and cap isn’t exactly the dry fit or bio cool action you’re used to in such conditions, but it didn’t matter because everyone was just soaking it up…the excitement that is. The clothes were soaking up the sweat, which made for an international potpourri of BO. Just letting you get an idea of the senses. Just before we came out onto the track, we began cheering, “U S A.” Great pride filled each of us. The highlight of my night was coming out from under the tunnel and looking into the stadium. Every seat was full! People were on their feet cheering, waving flags, calling out country names or people, and just having a great time. I had to do a 360 to soak it in. Actually, I had to do a 720 while looking up and down to really soak it all in. There’s just so much going on. As we walked, we saw the American flag up in the stands and clusters of fellow countrymen. It filled our hearts with the feeling “That’s my country, and I’m here representing it!” We pointed to those clusters of Americans and give them a thumbs up to let them know we appreciate their support. We continued around the track and then were corralled into the infield."
