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Akron
junior and Tri-Village graduate, Clayton Murphy, will be
competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Murphy will represent the U.S.A.
in the 800 meter run. CNO Photo courtesy gozips.com
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Murphy ready
for the challenge
Local runner heading to Rio
By George Starks
EUGENE, OR.- Over the course of the past few years, the sports book at
Tri-Village had had a few chapters added to it.
The last chapter written was when the Patriots basketball team went
30-0, capturing the D-IV state title.
Most, including this writer, thought it would never get any better than
that.
Someone forgot to tell 2013 graduate, Clayton Murphy about it.
During his senior year at Tri-Village, Murphy won gold in Columbus at
the state track and field meet in the 2 mile run.
From there, Murphy signed to attend school at Akron where he has been
blowing away the competition lately.
Running professionally now after signing a contract with Nike, Murphy
has qualified for the 2016 Olympics to compete in the 800 meters where
he will compete against the best the world has to offer.
Thursday, Murphy had a breakfast date with the Olympic committee and
then an engagement at Nike Headquarters.
Despite a busy schedule, Murphy too the time to answer a few question
forcountynewsonline.org.
Even though Murphy is from small town America, he is now the talk of
not only New Madison but all of Darke County.
“Having all of the support of New Madison, Darke County, the Miami
Valley, Akron and Ohio is great,” said Murphy. “The overwhelming
support and excitement just knowing I have so many people supporting me
every step of the way is overwhelming.”
In the 800 meter qualifying race, Murphy’s kick went into high gear in
the final few meters allowing him to win it all on that day. At that
point his mind started to race with only one thought.
“My first thought was, ‘Wow, I ran faster than I thought,” said Murphy.
“I was just overcome with emotion and a sense of achievement. It was
great feeling knowing I was going to be an Olympian. I really don’t
think it set in right away. This was a goal of mine since the day I
started running and the goal had become a reality. I couldn’t believe
what was happening at that moment but it was all real. I made a move at
200 with confidence I could be top 3. I had confidence at that point I
could kick it in. As far as Akron is great to help bring a small Akron
program to the front and center of Track. Coach LaBadie and Coach
Mitchell have done a great job of developing and growing our program!”
So how long did it take for reality to sink in, knowing what he had
just accomplished?
“I still think today it hasn’t sunk in totally and won’t until I step
on the track in Rio. It’s a crazy time and I am busy. I am super
excited to the opportunity I have,” Murphy admitted.
Over the course of three years, Murphy has went from high school, to
collage, to the Olympics.
A lot of success in a short period of time.
“Things have changed a lot even over the last two weeks,” Murphy
pointed out. “Running professionally and competing as a NCAA champion
has been a roller coaster. However, it has been a fun experience.
This is an exciting time for me but I know where it all started. That’s
something I can never deny.”
What will Murphy take to Rio from New Madison, Ohio?
“I think the same attitude of having fun and smiling," the former
Patriot said. “I always say if your not having fun running, what is the
point. I love to compete and smile. So I am excited to have fun and
compete on the largest stage of track and field. I have a great support
staff helping me every step of the way. Akron was a smooth transition,
and now being professional and going to the Olympics. My girlfriend,
coach, agent and Nike have been there every step of the way doing
whatever I need to help me run faster and better”
Win or lose in Rio, Murphy plans to remain there and enjoy the
experience. Afterwards, he plans to go to Europe and compete before
coming home to finish out his college degree before competing as a Nike
athlete.
In conclusion, Murphy said if given the opportunity to speak to young
athletes during a high school general assembly, his message would be
very simple.
“Have fun and find something you are passionate about. I didn't run in
college for the scholarship and I don’t run now for the paycheck. I run
now for the passion and the competition.”
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