Springville has three athletes competing at the Paris Olympic games, and on July 7, locals showed their support in a community event complete with fire trucks and a stream of patriotic community members.
The three Springville Olympians are Clayton Young (marathon), Courtney Wayment (steeplechase) and Whittni Orton Morgan (5,000 meters). All three are former BYU athletes.
Each of the three athletes were present at the celebration, but the night belonged to Morgan, who had recently been added to the team after a series of unforeseen events.
After placing fifth at the trials, Morgan believed that her dreams of competing in Paris were over. But after the first and fourth place runners dropped out to focus on other events, it bumped Morgan up to third, putting her on the Olympic team.
After arriving at the local park on July 7, escorted by Springville police cruisers, fire engines and ambulances, Morgan stepped on the stage at the main pavilion to be honored for her amazing accomplishment. Morgan’s coach, Diljeet Taylor spoke first about her passion for track and field, and her love of her athletes.
“One thing this woman has taught me is that the comeback is always better than the setback.” Taylor said of Morgan. “It was her literal 10th setback that made her an Olympian. She truly raced like an Olympian. In the last 400 meters, her hips went backwards but her heart pushed forward. I was so proud of her at that moment. We call her ‘Gritty Whitti,’ and what she is going to do when she puts that USA on her chest, is make all of you proud. We ask you for some prayers and some cheers. We will be able to feel them all the way in Paris. Thank you so much for supporting me and these athlete’s dreams.”
Morgan had a difficult road to the Olympic Trials, let alone to the Games. The 26-year-old runner has experienced unfortunate injuries, including knee surgery just eight months before the trials. In fact, she wasn’t able to compete until April, which was just 10 weeks before the trials. But on June 24, she ran a season- best time of 15.05.53 at the trials.
Surrounded by family, friends, teammates and a community of supporters, Morgan took to the stage, taking the opportunity to give thanks to God.
“I am very very very blessed,” Morgan said. “This has been a really crazy journey, with … surgery and coming back. … It’s not me; it’s God. … I’m so grateful to God and so grateful to all of you for supporting me. GO, USA!”
When the event commenced, Morgan, Young, and Wayment signed photos to hand out to the many supporters who came to support their olympic dreams. Young, the marathoner who gained national attention in his viral race finish with his fellow training partner, roommate, and BYU Track teammate Conner Mantz personally handed photos and words of wisdom to fans.
The Olympic track and field events will go from Aug 1-11. Please tune in to support these local athletes who are representing our incredible state and country on the international stage.
