My family took a trip to Des Moines for the USATF National Championships. We had some brushes with fame.
This is Lolo Jones with my girls. She was sitting about 10 seats over, just hanging out. Go figure! A famous Iowa high school athlete, her story of overcoming obstacles to success: http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/13/sports/sp-olylolo13
This is Reese Hoffa, a shotputter. He's a great guy and loves coming to Iowa to throw. He won Drake Relays a couple of times. He's has been in the Olympics and has represented the USA internationally. He has an inspiring story about his life: http://www.reesehoffa.com/lost.htm
This is my son with Wallace Spearmon, who won the 200 that day with a sizzling time of 19.77 seconds.
Me with another famous Iowan, City High graduate Tim Dwight, former NFL player, and track star. He was hanging out with Lolo, about 10 seats over, so I used my fame (as a guy who used to coach Tim, plus I knew his mom and dad since Tim was a little guy), to saunter over and chat with him and Lolo. You can see Lolo with her cool shades in the background.
Enjoy your summer!
Mr. Balke
