A truly inspiring (Trojan) story for all...

When Trojan quartermiler Bryshon Nellum qualified for the London Olympics at 400 meters last week, it marked the full fruition of a truly inspirational story...one that would certainly make most Americans proud! I think it is a story for the ages. Nellum, if you recall, was the country's outstanding HS track and field athlete upon graduation from LB Poly in 2007. His Poly marks (20.5 and 45.4) were world class, and beyond the pale for HS athletes. He was already mentioned as one of the world's best...and he hadn't even started his USC career. Once at SC, his luck turned to worse than poor. He was shot several times (mistaken identity) leaving a party...then next year suffered a season ending injury. He endured several surgeries in an attempt to remove bullet fragments in both legs. His first semi-healthy year was 2011. This season, his first full healthy year since 2007, he came all the way back...winning the PAC-12 400m and then finished third in the Olympic finals for 400m. His time of 44.80 was a personal all-time best under pressure filled conditions...finish in the top three or go home. Aside from his spot on the Olympic 400 meter team...Bryshon (along with teammate Josh Mance) will both be members of the US Olympic 4x400 relay team. Nothing would be more appropriate than for Bryshon to medal at London. His courage and fortitude in the face of horrible circumstances are great examples of what it means to be a Trojan. I truly hope that every good break will come his way this summer...Fight On, Bryshon!