Not feeling up for a workout today? Feel like kicking back this weekend? American sprinter Manteo Mitchell doesn't live his life that way. The 25-year-old showed what he is made of in London while competing for TEAM USA in the 4×400 meter relay on Thursday.
Mitchell broke his fibula while leading off for the U.S. team in the first round of qualifying. Despite the pain and pressure, Mitchell managed to run his lap in 46.1 seconds and handed off the baton to Josh Mance, who, with Tony McQuay and Bryshon Nellum, brought the team home in 2:58.87.
In a statement released by USA Track and Field, Mitchell explained how a slight mishap might have contributed to the accident.
"Three days ago I was going up the stairs and I kind of missed one and landed awkwardly," said Mitchell. "I got treatment and I was fine. I did workouts, and when I warmed up today I felt really well.
"I got out pretty slow, but I picked it up and when I got to the 100-meter mark it felt weird. … As soon as I took the first step past the 200-meter mark, I felt it break. I heard it. I even put out a little war cry, but the crowd was so loud you couldn't hear it. I wanted to just lie down. It felt like somebody literally just snapped my leg in half."
But he did not lie down. In the same statement, Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track and Field summed it up best. "Manteo has become an inspiration and a hero for his teammates.” Not only that, but he has become an inspiration to sports fans everywhere who value the team concept and the concept of never giving up.
And the guy has a great sense of humor! Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he took to his Twitter account to crack, if you will pardon the pun, a few jokes and support his team.
"Never thought that the phrase 'break a leg' would reach reality for me lol," he tweeted yesterday, and in a tweet on Friday he updated his account with, "Can't wait for the race tonight! My boys gonna do work out there!!!!!"
Here's hoping that Mitchell can recover quickly and get back on the track soon. Manteo, we say more power to you! Now, for you guys on the fence about working out today or over the weekend, stop bitching and get your ass to the gym!
