He came, he saw, he ran.
Ryan Graf of Humboldt participated in the Olympic trials held in Calgary at the end of June this year.
Although Graf was only going to the trials for the experience and not to make it to the Olympics since he is too young, he enjoyed the experience.
"Just to even be there and to say I ran with the Olympians is a pretty cool experience," said Graf. "I don't know how to describe it."
Graf explained although he has competed in high er calibre events, like Nationals, the Olympic trials were different.
"Just even the atmosphere of a higher end competition like that - I've been to Nationals before but that was different," said Graf. "To have all the guys running and those times was incredible."
Graf competed in both the 100m and 200m races. He made it to the semifinals in both races, but only competed in the 100m semifinal because of an injury.
He placed 21st in the 100m sprint.
"My time wasn't exactly where we kind of wanted it but it was still a good time," said Graf.
He and his coach, Dale Upton, decided he shouldn't compete in the 200m after he pulled a muscle.
"My hamstring was bugging me so we decided to take care of that instead," said Graf.
He will be undertaking some physiotherapy to help heal his leg in time for his next competition.
"Hopefully we can get it settled down before Junior Nationals, which is pretty much it for the year, which is July 27," said Graf.
Upton was proud of Graf's performance at the trials.
"It is quite an achievement," said Upton. "Ryan is a great athlete to coach."
