David Wilson: Training for 2016 Olympics
Jul 27, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back David Wilson talks to the media during training camp at Timex Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/The Star-Ledger via USA TODAY Sports
David Wilson: Olympics?
It wasn’t that long ago at GMEN HQ where we were writing about David Wilson’s potential 2014 football season. After all, Wilson was on the comeback from a serious injury and looked ready to potentially overcome all the odds and succeed in the NFL.
Over the summer, we wrote about David Wilson a few times; here are some of the stories leading up to the New York Giants putting “Flip” on the IR:
- Injury Report: Giants’ David Wilson “needs a miracle”
- Putting David Wilson’s ‘burner’ in Context
- Report: Giants’ David Wilson Shut Down for Season, Career in Doubt
- David Wilson: The Heart of an NFL Champion
- David Wilson Clears Waivers
- David Wilson Proudly Declares: “Got Drafted by the Giants”
Now David Wilson’s story is potentially changing even more. According to this New York Post article, “Flip” has one GIANT new goal; here is the title, David Wilson’s new goal: 2016 Olympic triple jumper:
"The super speedy Wilson won the national championship in the event in high school and continued competing at Virginia Tech, where he was named an All-American in 2011 and finished sixth at the NCAA Championships, jumping 53 feet, 1.74 inches, which would have put him in 11th place in the 2012 Olympics.Now, with all of his efforts devoted to the triple jump, the 23-year-old is hoping to represent the U.S. at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.“That’s where I want to go,” Wilson told The Post on Monday at Citi Field, before speaking to local children from the Citi Kids program. “It’s like playing football. You don’t grow up wanting to play in the Canadian League. Everyone wants to play in the NFL. That’s the mindset I have. I want to compete in the best meets. I’m excited to get back into it.”"
Is David Wilson Healthy Enough?
"“That’s the positive about it, that I’m not in any pain,” Wilson said. “I didn’t leave the game on a stretcher or in a wheelchair. I don’t need crutches or a cane to help me. I can still do what I want to do. I’m still in the mindset where I want to compete at a high level.”"
David Wilson thinks so
We suppose that’s all that really matters. But wow, talk about a GIANT goal. The Olympics? That’s thinking big, really big… but I suppose after you’ve already been a collegiate star, first round NFL draft pick and beloved athlete with “potential” in New York City, what else do you shoot for?
The Olympics? The Triple Jump?
Apparently. And — good for David Wilson. In a previous post, I said:
"There is unquestionably a long road ahead for David Wilson, but it appears he’s mentally prepared himself well for this battle. Last year the injury may not have appeared as career threatening, but all fear wasn’t hidden. In football, neck injuries can unfortunately alter players livelihoods, especially at the running back position. Thankfully, Wilson was only injured in the soft hitting atmosphere of modern NFL training camps. If Wilson had made it to the regular season, the injury might have been significantly worse with bodies moving at NFL speeds. Who knows? It’s a what-if scenario and those rarely help for anything more than speculation bouts and making a brain spin with curiosity.What is known is that David Wilson is taking it all in stride. At such a young age, it’s unique to see a human accept the loss of his dreams while appreciating the goals and dreams that he’s already achieved. In a world where selfish desire and laziness are prevailing themes, it’s awesome to point out the stories of triumph and heart, of positive attitude and uplifting spirits vs negativity and a “who cares, this sucks anyway” outlook on life.David Wilson is not that latter guy. This is a young man with heart and special athletic talent that is having his body and doctors telling him “NO”, while he simply says, “Okay, what’s the next dream then?” So how cool is that? How inspirational is that? In the football writing world, where there are thousands and thousands of writers like myself dreaming about being on the gridiron and seeing that as the end all be all. We live out our dreams vicariously through the triumphs of those with the actual physical ability. David Wilson champions the idea that they’re are plenty more dreams to be had — that’s special."
“Okay, what’s the next dream then?”
When I wrote those words, I didn’t think the answer would be the Olympics. What an answer. Now, I know anyone can say they’re going to the Olympics. I’ll do it right now: I’m going to the 2016 Olympics. See, anyone can make the statement. However, with David Wilson, it’s actually achievable. Despite “Flip’s” ability to play in the NFL, one of the most violent contact sports in existence today… David Wilson does possess the extreme athletic ability to compete with the best athletes in the world for National pride.
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And really America, really Giants Nation, what kid would you rather see represent this great country we live in than David Wilson and his wonderful attitude. Remember, this is a 23 year old kid that just had his dreams pried from his hands. Only to say, “Next dream, please.” To me, that’s cool.
Over the next few years on the road to 2016, keep an open spot in the back of your mind for David “Flip” Wilson and his quest to be an American Olympic champion… because for him, that’s the next GIANT dream.