The track and field competitions at the Beijing games are kicking into high gear. As many will watch the high–speed events, a local man has a different perspective as he watches the track and field events.
"Try to get some control of your upper body so you're not shaking all over."
That advice from 2004 Olympian Tim Broe. The East Peoria Native finished 11th during the 5 thousand meter race in Athens.
"It will be nice to watch it on TV and relax and watch everyone compete. It's such a circus, it's such a show and whirlwind, it's a month of craziness and then all of a sudden it's over. I worked the last 12 years of my life off and then all of a sudden it's over," said Broe.
Recently Broe has had several surgeries and as part of his recovery is coaching the East Peoria Cross Country team, but is watching the Olympic games closely.
"I really just love to watch the competitive aspect of it and watch the human drama. And watch the favorites and see how they handle the pressure and watch the underdogs and see how they handle it. It's really interesting to see what the Olympics can do to the psyche," said Broe.
"They go so fast. I could never imagine going that fast. When he made it I remember watching him just all of the people in front of them, they were flying I don't know how they could do it," said Drew Thomas, an East Peoria High School Junior.
"It's more fun now to watch it knowing our coach was there, we know what the runners have to do because we heard about it from our coach," said Brant Watson, an East Peoria High School Junior.
Runners on the East Peoria Cross Country team say having a coach who was at the Olympics is an inspiration and even makes them work harder sometimes.
"It gives me a sense of motivation. It usually keeps me less from slacking off and stuff. Because I realize he knows what he's talking about and I should do what he says. He's probably going to help me get better," said Drew.
But these high school boys are getting the invaluable advice and help from an Olympian who has his eyes trained on the 2012 Olympics in London.
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