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Aug. 24, 2004
- Otis ATHENS, Greece – USC senior Otis Harris won a silver medal on Monday night in the 400m at the Athens 2004 Olympic games. He ran a personal best of 44.16 to win the medal as the USA swept the medals in the event for the first time since the 1988 Olympics. Here are a few of Harris’ reflections about the buzz since he won the medal. “Right after the race, the three of us (Harris, gold medalist Jeremy Warnier and bronze medalist Derrick Brew) got together and congratulated each other. We said a prayer about how happy we were. It was certainly our goal to go 1-2-3 at the Olympics and we talked about it about five minutes before we went out to race. Of course I would like to have won the gold medal, that was my goal coming here, but I feel blessed that I won a medal and that I was able to represent the USA so proudly. It’s been my dream to wear this uniform since I was a child in Edwards, Mississippi. “Soon after my race my hero, Michael Johnson (multi-time gold medalist and 400m world record holder) came up to me and said ‘Good job Otis. Congratualations’ and shook my hand. Wow, my hero knows my name. After we huddled together someone gave us a USA flag and we did a very slow victory lap around the track. Wow, what a rush that was. The three of us, draped in USA flags, receiving well wishes from 80,000 plus people. “After we went in off the track, receiving congratulations from Coach Frye among others, we went to a press conference at the stadium. Then at about 10:25 pm we went out to get our medals in the medal ceremony. Just hearing the national anthem — I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was a thrilling moment. “After the ceremony we headed over to the Main Press Center for a larger press conference. It’s kind of fun going 1-2-3 and being together at the press conferences. Then last night I was on WIS in Columbia a couple times. At first it was for the 6 pm (EST) news on WIS so they didn’t want me to talk about the medal. Then we did another interview when I could show it. I am so proud of this medal. “Later we did other interviews with other television stations around the country. I didn’t get back to the Olympic Village until 4 am and then not in the bed until 4:30 am. I was pretty tired. Winning the silver medal has sunk in. I expected to get the gold with the way I ran, but it’s a blessing to get a medal because so many people come here to win one and only a few do. “But, I had to get up quick at 11 am, to eat and then get ready for the Today show. The Today show on NBC! The three of us led off their Olympic coverage. On the way over I told a few people I wanted to meet Al Roker. I did! I’ve seen him on televsion so much and then to see him in person – he’s such a great character. Matt Lauer was nice and seemed interested in us. I was sorry that Katie Couric was so busy that we didn’t get to meet her, but maybe later. “There were a lot of medalists there – including the top male and female gymnasts and the USA softball team. There are some really pretty girls on that softball team. After that we did some more interviews, did an interview with Access Hollywood and then an interview with MSNBC. I am just about talked out! “We then headed over to the Nike area so I could meet with my agent and do a bit of business. It’s really a nice set-up at Nike. It’s relaxing and the food is good. Even more thrilling, Carl Lewis congratulated me a bit ago. That was a thrill, a blessing to meet him and get receive congratulations from another one of my heros. “I talked to my Dad right after the race. He was so proud and to say the least it’s a great thing for him to feel so good about me. For him to be proud of me feels so wonderful. “I want the Gamecocks to know I plan on bringing back two medals as I will run in the finals of the 4x400m relay for the USA. I hope it’s a gold for the relay and the silver I already have. I am excited I was able to do my part here.”
