People see the Olympics as the pinnacle of worldwide sports which they dream to compete in, but certain athletes at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are working to pursue that dream into reality.
Mikkel Johansson, junior communication major and sprinter for Demon’s track and field team from Aalborg, Denmark, looks to make it to the Olympic stage after competing in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash in the Danish Championships in Hvidovre, Denmark this past summer.
“If you are serious about the sport, that should be the end goal. It is a dream of mine to represent my country and be on the grand stage with other world athletes,” Johansson said.
He shared what influence competing at such a high level for his country will have on his mindset.
“I don’t think there is pressure to represent a country,” Johansson said. “I look at it as a pleasure and an honor to be the representative of my home country and to be considered one of the best in my sport.”
Making the Olympic team for one’s country is not an easy task, as it takes hard work and dedication. Mike Heimerman, head track and field coach, believes Johansson is progressing to a higher level, and he has high hopes for the athlete’s future.
“Mikkel has come here to NSU under coach Adam Pennington, and he has made leaps and bounds since being here and is well on his way to making it,” Heimerman said.
Adam Pennington, associate head track and field coach, explained the benefit of Johansson’s lack of major competition in his home country of Denmark.
“Since there aren’t a lot of representatives in his country, I believe if he keeps progressing and improving and if we keep coaching him then he will make it,” Pennington said. “I believe he will be able to compete in the Olympics.”
Johansson believes his objective is attainable if he puts the right work in to make the rankings to qualify.
“It’s something I work my entire year for, so I am ready to get out there and perform,” Johansson said. “I have to make sure I am earning ranking points and my body in top shape ready to compete and hopefully one day make the Olympics.”
Johansson’s dream is shared amongst the NSU coaching staff and athletes, as his ultimate goal is not only to make the Olympics one day, but also to be seen as one of the best on the track.
