Paul Terek Article
Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:48 am
http://www.hometownlife.com/HomeTownLif ... yID=109310
Terek returns to address fellow Patriots
By Brad Emons
Staff Writer
Just eight years removed, Olympic decathlete Paul Terek got reacquainted with his alma mater on a hot Sunday afternoon to address the 2005 Livonia Franklin High graduates during commencement ceremonies.
Terek, who competed last August in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, urged the 366 grads to "pick a direction and have faith.''
At his all-night senior party, Terek inscribed something on the wall which read: "Olympics 2004.''
Currently training for the U.S. Track and Field Championships later this month in Carson, Calif., the 26-year-old Terek talked about his state of mind following his graduation from Franklin in 1997.
"I walked the same halls as you did and I was asking myself the same question: "Who am I, what am I doing and where am I going?' '' Terek recalled. "I had goals, a dream and a scholarship opportunity (to Michigan State). There was happiness, excitement, but there was uncertainty, too.''
Terek addressed the large gathering on the same football field where he stood out as an All-State wide receiver and defensive back, and pointed into the southwest corner of the track where he spent countless hours perfecting his pole vault technique.
As a high school senior, Terek set the all-class state record in the pole vault which still stands today at 16 feet, 6 inches.
Terek, who graduated from Michigan State with a degree in mechanical engineering, was named Big Ten Track and Field Athlete of the Year, as well as being a runner-up in the NCAA indoor pole vault and runner-up in the NCAA decathlon.
The decathlete also competed in the 2003 World Track and Field Championships in Paris (where he finished 12th) and nailed down the third and final spot on the U.S. Olympic team last July to earn berth in Athens where he finished 21st.
"It was not the performance I dreamed up, but I'll remember forever that moment when that Olympic torch was lit,'' Terek said. "You're only limited by your own imagination, go travel experience other cultures.
"Set and achieve your own goals, whether it's continuing your education, or starting out in a job. You can't worry about how not to fail instead of worrying about how to succeed.''
Terek, who moved his training base back to East Lansing after spending two years in San Luis Obispo, Calif., has been plagued by injuries dating back to the Athens Games where he competed with a torn bicep muscle.
He currently has a slight tear in his rotator cuff, which limits his throwing motion in the javelin, and has been battling a wrist injury which has affected his performance in the shot put.
Terek competed last month in a decathlon event in Italy and was also in Puerto Rice competing. He has his sights set on returning to the World Championships this August in Helsinki, Finland.
The Olympian also quoted Oliver Wendell Holmes to his fellow Franklin alums.
"We must sail sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.''
And Terek also added: "Don't forget to spend time with your family. They're a safety net where you fall."
Terek returns to address fellow Patriots
By Brad Emons
Staff Writer
Just eight years removed, Olympic decathlete Paul Terek got reacquainted with his alma mater on a hot Sunday afternoon to address the 2005 Livonia Franklin High graduates during commencement ceremonies.
Terek, who competed last August in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, urged the 366 grads to "pick a direction and have faith.''
At his all-night senior party, Terek inscribed something on the wall which read: "Olympics 2004.''
Currently training for the U.S. Track and Field Championships later this month in Carson, Calif., the 26-year-old Terek talked about his state of mind following his graduation from Franklin in 1997.
"I walked the same halls as you did and I was asking myself the same question: "Who am I, what am I doing and where am I going?' '' Terek recalled. "I had goals, a dream and a scholarship opportunity (to Michigan State). There was happiness, excitement, but there was uncertainty, too.''
Terek addressed the large gathering on the same football field where he stood out as an All-State wide receiver and defensive back, and pointed into the southwest corner of the track where he spent countless hours perfecting his pole vault technique.
As a high school senior, Terek set the all-class state record in the pole vault which still stands today at 16 feet, 6 inches.
Terek, who graduated from Michigan State with a degree in mechanical engineering, was named Big Ten Track and Field Athlete of the Year, as well as being a runner-up in the NCAA indoor pole vault and runner-up in the NCAA decathlon.
The decathlete also competed in the 2003 World Track and Field Championships in Paris (where he finished 12th) and nailed down the third and final spot on the U.S. Olympic team last July to earn berth in Athens where he finished 21st.
"It was not the performance I dreamed up, but I'll remember forever that moment when that Olympic torch was lit,'' Terek said. "You're only limited by your own imagination, go travel experience other cultures.
"Set and achieve your own goals, whether it's continuing your education, or starting out in a job. You can't worry about how not to fail instead of worrying about how to succeed.''
Terek, who moved his training base back to East Lansing after spending two years in San Luis Obispo, Calif., has been plagued by injuries dating back to the Athens Games where he competed with a torn bicep muscle.
He currently has a slight tear in his rotator cuff, which limits his throwing motion in the javelin, and has been battling a wrist injury which has affected his performance in the shot put.
Terek competed last month in a decathlon event in Italy and was also in Puerto Rice competing. He has his sights set on returning to the World Championships this August in Helsinki, Finland.
The Olympian also quoted Oliver Wendell Holmes to his fellow Franklin alums.
"We must sail sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.''
And Terek also added: "Don't forget to spend time with your family. They're a safety net where you fall."