It was low key for a national meet. But that didn\'t mean the athletes hadn\'t trained with less intensity, and it certainly didn\'t take anything away from their effort and performance level. But the Hershey meet had something a little different. It was focused on support. Every finisher had a \'buddy\' who would hand them water and make sure they were OK, and even talk about their race. Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson walked among the athletes and talked track. Just a fan having a lot of fun. And they marched with flags. Lit a torch. And were awarded medals.
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Hershey meet is low key, but high quality
Aug 9, 2004
8/7-Neely Spence PR\'s w/ 5:09.48 1600 for 2nd @ Hershey T&F North American Champs
Aug 9, 2004
14-year-old Neely Spence, the oldest daughter of US Olympian Steve Spence, set a PR for 1600 of 5:09.48 at the Hershey\'s Track & Field North American Championships held at the Milton Hershey School. The performance earned her a 2nd place in the 13-14 age-group behind Stephanie Smith, a 14-year-old from Aurora, Ontario, who set a meet record of 5:01.37. Plus, there were some nice performances in the 100, 200 and 800 races.
Photo Galleries from 8/7 Hershey\'s North American Track & Field Championships @ Milton Hershey
Aug 9, 2004
Photo Galleries from 8/7 Hershey\'s North American Track & Field Championships @ Milton Hershey School (photo: Stephanie Smith, Aurora, Ontario, winner of 13-14 1600 in 5:01.37)