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from an anonymous donor who wanted to see Russell continue to pursue his dream.
Scott Russell prepares to release the javelin during the final round of competition during the Kansas Relays. Russell, a former KU track athlete, qualified for the 2008 Olympics with a throw of 272.97 feet.
"Other people cared enough about him and had enough confidence in him to do something like that," Dan said. "Imagine, what are they thinking right now?"
A month after receiving the check, Russell set a new Canadian record of 84.41 meters or 276.94 feet.
Russell's funding returned and he began to look towards the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
*****
Russell was back in Lawrence last week. The trials are behind him, and so are the injuries and disappointments of the past.
The trip to China is quickly approaching. Dan says if his son makes top 12 in Beijing, the trip will have been a success.
To do more than that, Dan says, his son may have to throw farther than he ever has.
But as Scott says, "It's just a relief to finally accomplish a lifetime dream."
"Possible? Maybe it's possible," Dan said.
Dan won't be heading to Beijing. He had to choose between the Olympics and Scott's upcoming wedding. He'll follow the games from home, and if he wants to see his son's Olympic throws, he may have to upload another grainy YouTube video (original can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl4I1Wddscg).
Of course, he may be able to catch a glimpse of his son as he walks into the Olympic stadium under the
Maple Leaf — as an Olympian.
Edited by Matt Hirschfeld
"It's a lifetime experience," Scott said.
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