University of Georgia Athletics
Third Journal Entry From LaRon Bennett
June 05, 2006 | Track & Field
June 5, 2006
June 4, 2006
LaRon Bennett, who finished his Georgia track career in 2005, is now traveling around the world to compete in professional races. His first win in the professional ranks recently came at the International Consulate Meeting of Martinique in Fort de France, Martinique, where he finished the 400-meter hurdles in 49.43. During his most recent race at the Golden Spike 2006 in Ostrava (Czech Republic), Bennett battled his way for a fourth-place finish against some of the top talent in the world.
On Sunday, May 28, Bennett crossed the finish line in third place (49.46) at the Thales Fanny Blankers-Koen Games in Hengelo, Netherlands.
On Saturday, May 21, Bennett took third at the 2006 adidas Track Classic in Carson, Calif., after clocking a 48.99. His time was only .03 behind Derrick Williams, who was the winner of the event.
While wearing red and black, Bennett set the school record in the 400 hurdles after clocking a 48.74 at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Championships for a fifth-place finish. Bennett, who was a three-time outdoor All-American, was also the runner-up in the 2005 SEC Outdoor Championships with a 48.76.
Bennett will be providing georgiadogs.com with journal entries about his experiences on the road over the next several months. His third entry is below:
"We arrived in Ostrava (located in the Czech Republic) at about 7 p.m. on Monday afternoon. When we arrive at the hotel, we are greeted by a receptionist and a host of fans. After getting settled in, I go downstairs for dinner. The food is great, the waiters are cool and they have good ol' bottled water. Man, where's the ice tea? After dinner, I take a little walk to the track. The track ended up being closed, so I headed back to the hotel to get some rest for tomorrow.
It is about 4 a.m. on Tuesday and I can't seem to sleep. I'm not nervous though. I guess I just have a lot on my mind. Sometimes I wonder if I'm cut out for this new job and I do mean JOB. I wonder if I will get to that elusive No. 1 ranking or if it was even meant for me to get there. I think about how many people expect so many great things of me: my family, my friends, my coaches, my teammates . . . myself. I think I'm starting to miss home.
| |
