Olympic dream still alive for Matt Tegenkamp
Ex-Badger hoping to earn a chance to compete in London
-
Matt Tegenkamp attempts to make the U.S. Olympic Team for the second time. Video by 620wtmj.com
video
Matt Tegenkamp is a former Badger looking to represent Wisconsin at his second Olympics. Tegenkamp finished 13th in his first go-round four years ago in Beijing.
"Unfortunately on that day I just didn't quite have what I was hoping in the tank," says Tegenkamp. "But, it was a great experience, and it will pay off a lot."
Tegenkamp spoke to us from his home in Eugene, Oregon, which is also the site of this year's track and field trials starting June 22nd. He'll be competing in the 5,000 and 10,000.
"The Olympics Trials are the most pressure packed meet, almost even more so than the Olympics only because on the given day it's top three," says Tegenkamp. "It's just so cut and dried."
Despite living now on the west coast he is a still a huge Badgers fan.
"I still follow everything about it," he says. "Following things on twitter...."
One new thing in Matt's life since the last Olympics is a two-year old son named Brayden and another baby on the way. Being a father has changed his perspective on life.
"You can go through lots of ups and downs as an athlete," he says. "But whenever you get around him and see them smiling and having fun, you forget about everything else."
Two other former Badgers to keep an eye on: Tim Nelson in the 10,000 and Evan Jaeger in the 3,000 steeplechase.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.