MSG’s own Keith Davis has a special connection to an athlete at the Rio games which begin August 5.  Read below to see Keith’s feelings about seeing one of his students make it all the way to the highest venue of athletic competition.

Coaching in any sport, it’s always a blessing when you come across an athlete you see has great potential and they believe and trust in you and your instruction. Ultimately, you take NO credit for their abilities but just the fact that they heed to your instruction and guidance allowing you to be a part in her development brings both humility and a since of awe to a coach.  Then, to see that athlete make the 2016 Olympic team AND appear on the Kellogg’s Cereal box ….

My tears of Joy just flow!!!

This year, I have the opportunity to watch a young lady, Ajee’ Wilson of Neptune, NJ (pronounced Ah-Zhay) compete as a US Olympian in the Women’s 800 meters. She’s a compassionate, classy and humble young lady. I coached Ajee’ at the very beginning of her track career in 2005. She was a hard worker and her talents afforded her national honors in the 400, 800, 1500 and 3K meters her very first year! The following years, Ajee’ won all three events in her age group setting National records AAU and USATF Jr. Olympics. But just how special is the young lady … in her sophomore year in high school, Ajee’ ran 2:00.91 800m anchor leg in the 1600 Sprint Medley Relay coming from last to first place at the New Balance National Outdoor meet in 2010! She set various records in NJ and later became World Youth Champion in the 800m (2011), World Jr. Champion (2012) and, in 2014, had the fastest time in the World … at the age of 20!  Her current coach (since 2010), Derek Thompson of Philadelphia, has done an amazing job bringing out her best abilities and her story continues!

You can learn more at:

http://kelloggs-teamusa.kelloggs.com/en_US/athletes/ajee.html or just Google her name!