New records set at 41st Simplot games

The 41st annual Simplot games have come and gone.

This years game saw several new records set, personal bests recorded and friendships made.

The games brought 22 hundred of the best high school athletes in the world together to compete.

One of the highlights was the mentoring by other tack and field greats.

Olympic champions were on hand to sign autographs, share their wisdom and encourage the kids to race to those dreams.

“An event like this can open somebody’s eyes to the possibility of how good they could actually be.” Said Dan O’Brien, an Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon. “This could be the first big track meet that any of these athletes have actually been to, traveled to competed in, gage themselves against other athletes, and its an opportunity to meet people who have been there.”

“It’s so important if we’re going to have a great sport of track and field that those of us who have been successful and talk to kids and get them inspired, so that they will aspire to be champions like us.” Said Willie Banks, a former world record triple jumper.

Both Olympians said they had role models helping them achieve their dreams and have loved paying it forward.