Vision And Determination
Years of planning and foresight enable Tallahassee to host a world-class sporting event
Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I can remember the excitement of the 2002 Winter Olympics being held in my hometown. The International Olympic Committee selected Salt Lake seven years prior, after many failed attempts to secure the games. The city’s preparations for developing the necessary infrastructure and state-of-the-art sports facilities began decades before applying. It takes strategic and thoughtful leaders, as well as the foresight to build the foundation, for the “what if” to become a “we are” scenario.
The drill team at our high school had the opportunity to audition for the opening ceremonies, and we made the cut. Many of the girls performing in the ceremony were teammates of mine, and it was all so magical. I truly didn’t realize the uniqueness of this opportunity as a 16-year-old. It was only later in life that I began to fathom how fortunate we were to see these incredible athletes compete. We saw the United States dominate the men’s half-pipe snowboarding podium with Ross Powers taking gold, Danny Kass silver, and J.J. Thomas bronze. We witnessed the women’s bobsled event make its Olympic debut—all on a mountain I had “carved” that same season.
As impressive as the sporting events were, more magic took place in the festivities throughout the city.
Tallahassee has an even more unique sporting event coming to town. The World Athletics Cross Country Championships are taking place January 10 at Apalachee Regional Park’s cross-country course. The overarching vision and leadership for establishing this world-class cross-country facility was thanks to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners and their Division of Tourism, with construction starting as far back as 2008. Projects like this require people with the foresight to see a beautiful opportunity that aligns with what Tallahassee is all about.
Take advantage of witnessing and participating in this historic event. This is not only the first time a Florida venue will host this prestigious global event, but it is only the third time it has been held in the United States—the last was in 1992. Sixty countries and many age groups will be represented in this elite competition.
Not only will there be sporting events to watch, but there will also be activities for the entire family to enjoy, including a fun run to get our community out and moving.
Watching the Olympics as a 16-year-old in my hometown is something I will never forget. The resilience, strength, and talent of those athletes inspire me to this day. I encourage all Tallahassee locals to get out and experience this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Don’t let this event pass you by. You don’t want to be the person who was only moments away from witnessing something truly incredible but decided to stay home. To learn more, go to visittallahassee.com/worldxctallahassee26.
What young girl or boy will witness the strength and ability of the human mind and body and be inspired to do something even more extraordinary?
I look forward to seeing you out there.
Much love,
McKenzie Burleigh
Photo by Sean Murphy
