BEIJING 2008: ALMOST FAMOUS

The Olympic trials leave tears and cheers. Seven athletes describe what it's like to spy a dream, but not live it.

Getty Images

He's won three national titles since Athens, but one bad race kept Khadevis Robinson from Beijing.

BRIAN ALEXANDER
Water Polo (Driver),
DOB: 05/03/83
JUST MISSED … The team selected 13 players; Alexander was No. 14, an alternate.

"The Olympics became a dream about six years ago. This year we started with 25 guys, then cut to 18, then 15. We traveled to Europe to play and train, and on our last night, coach Terry Schroeder told me his decision. A difficult conversation, obviously. We had a team meeting, and I started to break down a little. I'll keep track of the team and support them, but I don't know how much I'll watch. In September I'll head to Greece to play for a pro team. I'm pretty sure I'll go out for the team again in 2012."

KHADEVIS ROBINSON
Track & Field (800 meters),
DOB: 07/19/76
JUST MISSED … Finished fourth at trials by .06 of a second; top three qualify.

"I finished second at the 2004 trials but didn't run well in Athens. Since then I've won three outdoor national championships. Everything was going as planned. But two weeks before the trials, my body caught a down cycle. In Eugene, I took the early lead to force guys to run a personal record to beat me. The first two finishers did, and so did Christian Smith. At the finish, Christian and I dived for the line. It was crazy, and I was tapped out. After the race my wife, Stephanie, comes over, a little shook. Then I look at my son, Zion, who's 8 months old, and he does what he always does: He smiles. That puts it all in perspective."

JOSH RICHMOND
Shooting (Shotgun Double Trap),
DOB: 12/19/85
JUST MISSED … Finished third at trials; top two qualify.

"We have a two-part selection match: one in the fall, another in spring. I had a bad day in the fall and fell behind by eight targets. In the spring, I made up all but two to reach the 50-target final. Then the top two shot a 49 and a 50; I was eliminated. Everything that I trained for—that I brainwashed myself to think, believe and do—was gone. I was ranked among the top four in the world last year, and most people thought I was a lock to make the team. But in the end, that doesn't matter. I am absolutely aiming for 2012. I reenlisted with the Army for four more years. I'm only 22, so it's not a matter of if, but when. I'm going to have my day, someday."

MICHAEL HUNTER
Boxing (Super Heavyweight),
DOB: 07/10/88
JUST MISSED … Needed one win in three qualifying tournaments but lost them all.

"My first dream when I started boxing was to make the Olympics. My father [Michael Hunter] was a pro boxer, and if boxing was on TV, I was watching it. I'm definitely going to watch the Olympics on TV; all my teammates are there. I was with them for almost a year, and they're like my little brothers and big brothers. I was upset I didn't make the team, but my mom was more upset than I was. I did my best, but it didn't work out. You have to accept it and move on. I doubt I'll be back for 2012. I'm looking into turning pro."

CHRIS MARTINEZ
Tae Kwon Do (Featherweight),
DOB: 05/25/83
JUST MISSED … Finished second at trials to friend Mark Lopez.

"I've been competing and winning national championships since I was 8. Going to the Olympics is something I've always wanted. At the same time, I look up to Mark and understand that this is his dream too. My time will come. Still, it's bittersweet to be at this level and not get to compete. I've never felt this way before. It's the kick in the pants I need."

LISA RAINSBERGER
Swimming, Marathon
DOB: 1962
JUST MISSED … Qualified as swimmer for 1980 Olympics, which were boycotted by U.S. Finished fourth in three straight Olympic trials for marathon (1984, '88, '92). Top three make it.

"In 1980, there was definitely a feeling of resentment. I, along with the other Olympic hopefuls, felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under us. So I decided to make a transition from swimming to running. I felt well prepared for the 1984 trials and even though I finished fourth, there was still a glimmer of hope because it was my first time. I also thought that someone might injure themselves; runners are injury prone and the thought, 'I might make the team due to injury', was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to compete! Finishing fourth in the 1988 trials was much harder. In 1992, the gods were just not with me."

SARAH HALL
Track and Field
DOB: 5/15/83
JUST MISSED … Finished 9th in 1500M for the 2008 team. Husband Ryan made mens team.

"The 2004 Olympic Track & Field trials was the first time I had any clue I could make the Olympics. In the 5000m final, I finished 11th and thought that when I turned professional, with proper training, I could make the Olympic team. Fast-forward to the 2008 Olympic Team Trials; after I stepped off the track, I did interview after interview until the last reporter remarked I seemed so composed. I just lost it. Ryan and I performed a cool down and all my emotions just came out. That race culminated a very difficult season for me and I needed to get away from the track."

Print Article . Email Article. Subscribe to The Magazine