Track and field is a sport among many, but different in many ways. Track is a sport that is united at best, it's a sport that's co-ed and one of the many that does not cut. With that being said, track and field is close to the hearts of many athletes who care about every individual on their team.
Track is a place that is safe when school is tough. Track practice is what many look forward to after a long day of what may have been hardships. Whether we are talking high school, collegiate, or professional, I believe these ideals are the same across the board. Track accepts every individual, no matter their struggles. The team works as a unit to better one another. I've been on two different types of teams and witnessed first hand these units at work. There is no divide; it may look to the naked eye as an individual sport, but it is a team effort. Everyone supports the other no matter the event because they all have the same goal: they want to win. In track, points are scored and then totaled, and that's what determines the winner. But those points are much more than just tallied numbers. Those points are earned with blood, sweat, tears and the help of those around them. If you have run track, or do presently, you know that this is nothing but the truth.
Invitationals are long days where events are spread out throughout the day It becomes and all day affair but most don't mind because it gives them an opportunity to socialize with each other and cheer each other on. You wait long hours for your race, but during that time you are still contributing as a member of the team. Either stretching out a teammate whose event is coming up, or holding the blocks for your teammate ready to begin their race. In those moments, there is no selfishness, there is no, "I want to win more than her," or "I want him to do bad, so I can succeed." These phrases don' reach the track or the field simply because they don't exist. Rather, you feel interconnected with your team because you want them to do their best, almost as badly as they want that for themselves.
Every sport is created equal and every athlete endures the pain and suffering of competition, but not many can say that their sport is drama-free and full of laughter. If you have ever been on a bus with a bunch of track athletes, you know what I mean. Win or lose, the ride home may not be all giggles, but there are no fingers pointed and there is only talk of how the team can improve and do better next time.
Usually at the very end of a track meet there is an event that brings the team together like no other. It is called the 4x400 relay and it brings all your teammates to the infield to cheer on the event, as it's symbolically known as the end of the day. Everyone joins in on this as if it was their unspoken duty. No matter if you yourself had a bad day or a good one, you get your butt out there to cheer on your team. I never felt such a rush as I did at those moments running back and forth to the ends of the fields to watch them on the backs and then at the exchange and then back again. This rush is so amazing because you're not alone, your whole team is right there besides you sharing the same excitement for those on the track.
No race, no amazing time and no personal record can ever replace that feeling of togetherness you get from that one event. Track and field is not your average individual sport. It's a sport where you make bonds that last you a lifetime and where you meet people that you'll never forget. This is why track and field is more than just a sport; it is family.
