Gold medalist: Take advantage of opportunity
Photo by Tevin Stinson
Olympic gold medalist LaTasha Colander-Clark delivers the keynote address during the second annual She’s Got It Covered Classy Hat Affair on Saturday, Jan. 30.
By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle
Olympic gold medalist LaTasha Colander-Clark told the women athletes from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) to wake up and recognize the importance of the time they are currently in.
She spoke at the second annual She’s Got it Covered Classy Hat Affair. The event, held Saturday at the Grand Pavilion Ball Room of the Embassy Suites Hotel, is designed to raise funds and awareness to improve equity and access for girls and women in sports. The event also highlights the importance of leadership, teamwork, and loyalty.
“Time is ticking, and your time is ticking,” said Colander-Clark during her keynote address. “You have to use this time to find out what your destiny is all about.”
Colander-Clark won a gold medal during the Sydney, Australia, Olympics in 2000 as a member of the 4 x 400 meter relay. She is also a two-time U.S. champion in the 400 meter and in 2004 was an Olympic champion in the 100 meter.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Colander-Clark said she was excited to talk to the student athletes because she knows what it’s like.
“I know dorm life, I know traveling and cafeteria food,” she smiled. “I know it’s hard, but destiny is right here at Winston-Salem State.”
During her speech, Colander-Clark also stressed the importance of supporting each other and giving back. She mentioned she would not have made it without a strong support system pushing her to be successful.
“We have to support each other because if we don’t, no one will,” she said.
