Incoherent ramblings of a sane mind: Dreams of an Olympian

At any point in time there are thousands and thousands of aspiring athletes with Olympic aspirations training. Juniors, U-23, espoirs -- they dedicate hours and hours of training with the slim, outside chance they will become high level, Olympic caliber athletes.

Most don't make it. As successful as they may be as juniors, for many reasons this does not always translate. Burn out, lack of development as they age, a general unwillingness to do what it takes to be an elite level athlete prevents many from taking that next step. Some by choice, some by fate.

Garrett Wonders was an aspiring Olympian. A local boy, Garret was a member of the Ohio State Cycling Team, a team he captained while he pursued his Master's in nuclear engineering. He furthered his career in the Navy and was a member of the Armed Forces Cycling Team racing throughout Europe. He returned to his Navy base in South Carolina to train and participate in the Olympic trials, with the dream of becoming an Olympian.

His dream died at 25 years old. Not from lack of effort, focus, dedication, or physical prowess. His Olympic dream was cruelly ended when he was struck and killed by a motorist while on a training ride. The driver of the car had had their license revoked due to a vision impairment.

And just like that, all of the time, the training, the extra hours, the hopes and dreams were erased. Just like that an Olympic dream had ended.

For the past seven years races have been held in his honor in Columbus, with funds going towards a cycling scholarship at Ohio State and to promote cycling safety and education.

Today's races were held downtown near the State House and covered all categories plus a citizens fat tire race and a childrens spring series. Ridden in and amongst the skyscrapers it was a perfect day to honor a life cut so tragically short.