Joanne Dow is my inspiration. Her dedication, love for God and her sheer perseverance has motivated and encouraged me in my own athletic pursuits. Joanne Dow is an Olympic race walker. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, and at the age of 44, she was the oldest member on the U.S.A. track and field team. Her battle to get to the Olympic games was long, after fourteen years of competing and three Olympic trials, but she finally made it and won eight national titles along the way.

But what inspires me about Dow more than the Olympic title she holds is her dedication, the hours of strenuous training she endured and the sacrifices she made to achieve her goals. She encountered many injuries and discouraging situations, but she never gave up. She pushed through the trials keeping her eyes on the goal. She was able to train and compete while being a wife, mother and coach, which is remarkable.

Apart from her titles and praiseworthy achievements Dow is an athlete with courage, a vision, wisdom, humbleness and genuine faith in Christ. She is a mother first, and then an athlete. Dow was also my high school track coach. She encouraged, pushed, and challenged me to persevere in my running. She saw my potential and helped me set my goals high.

This Olympic athlete invested in me and has left a lasting impact on my life. I saw how she loved others selflessly and poured into other athlete’s lives. She still does. Joanne Dow’s steadfastness and passion in running and life serves as an example for myself and for others.