Launching dreams: Olympic javelin thrower training next generation of athletes at Spain Park High School
Have you ever wondered what it's like having an Olympian as your coach? Just ask the students at Spain Park High School.
"We don't praise him a lot," said Lacoria Nelson. "When we go to meets, people are like 'can we get an autograph,' but like to us, he's just coach."
"Got to keep him humble," said another student.
A top-tier athlete and devoted coach, Curtis Thompson is on a dual journey, guiding young athletes while vying for his own spot in the Paris Olympics.
"If you look at it, I've been training four years leading up to this one very moment," said Thompson
For five years, Thompson has been coaching at Spain Park High School, inspiring student-athletes that with dedication and heart, dreams can take flight.
"Mentally believing in themselves, I'll believe in them more than they even believe in themselves so they can realize they can do this," said Thompson.
Thompson began track and field initially to get faster for football. Eventually, however, it turned into a passion and now he's one of the best in the world.
The journey propelled him to the heights of his sport, a life story he's now chronicled in a book from his and his father's point of view.
Since the last time we caught up with Thompson before the Tokyo games, not much has changed as far as his work ethic, training five to six days a week with competitions along the way.
"What helps us prepare is having confidence in what we are doing so we can go compete and enjoy the moment and be in the moment at that point," said Thompson.
More than a medal, it's about the journey's ups and downs and appreciating the moments.
"Just take your time, don't rush," said Thompson. "Multiple times throughout my career, especially after the Olympics, where we kind of have to slow things down and take a seat and then, just think about what all I've accomplished, and just remind ourselves we have done great things and continue to do great things."
Thompson finished first in the semifinals on Friday and will advance to the finals on Sunday, meaning he'll know by the end of the week whether or not he's heading to Paris.