Erin Donahue Qualifies for Beijing
Jul 9th, 2008 by mhueter
It’s extroadinarily exciting to see that someone from your hometown has qualified for the Olympics. On Monday, it was announced that Erin Donahue from Haddonfield, NJ finished second in the U.S. Olympic track and field trials to earn a trip to Beijing.
Erin is living proof that hard work can pay off in the end, and that someone from rural south Jersey can actually make their way to the Olympics.
(From the Philadelphia Inquirer) “I wasn’t one of those runners who sticks out, who you say, ’Oh, she’s going to be an Olympian,’ “Donohue said. “When I graduated (in 2005), I didn’t get a whole lot of attention from shoe companies or agents. I had to work for it. I’ve improved a little each year and it’s got me to where I am now.”
I have known about Erin for about eight or so years now. Erin is from Haddonfield, NJ, the town near where I grew up. I actually played against her in basketball a few times, and was friendly with many of her teammates, who were a part of my AAU basketball program, the Penn Jersey Panthers.
Erin was a GREAT basketball player. But she was always a better runner, a true stand-out athlete. In fact, I frequently saw her run by my house and through the neighboring park on her daily runs. In the end, running is what she pursued. That said, if she wanted to, she could have easily played for a small Division I basketball program.
But I’m sure she’s glad she didn’t do that. Erin went on from high school to run at North Carolina, and now she finds herself headed to Beijing, to run on the world’s greatest stage.
“It feels so good to go out there and execute your plan,” Donohue said. “It’s not like the NCAA or the NFL, where there’s always another season. In track, your focus for four years is the Olympic trials and the Olympics.”
And now she’s got her chance. It’s truly exciting to see this, and you can bet, everyone from south Jersey will be watching the women’s 1,500.
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Thank you for posting this!! I couldn’t agree with you more about how exciting it is to witness the phenomenal success of a local athlete. Also I find it interesting to observe the impressive strength Ms. Donahue possesses. Many women express wariness with regards to weight training, but she most undoubtedly serves as a testament to its numerous health benefits both athletically and aesthetically. Admittedly, she doesn’t have conventionally smooth form, but her amazing power coming off the last turn enabled her to muscle past for second place. We should all be so unconventional. Like countless South Jerseyans, I’ll certainly be rooting for her. Thanks again for the post!
Larry,
No problem! I’m very excited to watch Erin on television this summer. What an incredible experience for her. I’m sure she’s thrilled to have such strong support.
This is amazing for her. I ran against Erin in high school and alwasy admired her performances. SHe is truley an athlete! Not only does she have talent and can she perform but she also possesses great sportsmanship and heart which are essential for athletes today (which serve as role models)! She was always the first to congradulate and encourage other athletes! She was always an inspiration! GOOD LUCK!
I love that you wrote this about her! I was on her soccer and basketball teams for a short period and she was always a stellar athlete. It’s amazing- all of the shops in Haddonfield have her picture proudly displayed. It’s really brought the town together.
Awesome! So cool that people from the communtiy are coming together to support her. If you haven’t seen it yet, here is her Olympic page.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=159/bio/index.html
I just located this and wanted to send best wishes to you for Beijing. I’m so happy to see all of “Team Cook” headed for China that I am beside myself. Can’t wait to cheer you on at the “Bird’s Nest”. Gary
Great Job Erin,
I was listening to Coach Cook and he stated the first time he notice you, was rnnning each night with a light on your head. He was impressed and only you know the rest? Hope you could share?
Good Luck in the biggest, greatest, sporting event in the world! THE OLYMPICS!