Times and the road to Paris is just around the
corner.
Thousands of athletes are getting ready and making those last
minute preps before hitting the world's stage of sports.
Yeah, one local athlete is ready for Paris, excited and
hopeful to get the gold.
ABC6 is Marissa Bags spoke to her as she looks
to compete during the first round of the 400 meter
race.
Final of the women's 400 is underway from Lauderhill to
Paris.
The speed in this 400 meter run is what launched
Aaliyah Butler to the Summer Olympics.
What a run from Aaliyah Butler.
She was in shock she landed on Team USA.
Just seeing that my name on the board and 2nd
place, knowing that I got top three and be able
to go to Paris, I was like very excited.
And maybe it shouldn't have been a surprise considering Aaliyah
broke the state record in the 400 meter run her
freshman year at Piper High School.
It was then she dreamed of becoming an Olympian.
And I just knew like if I keep doing this,
I can get better and be like one the best
to run.
The 400 meters.
Track and field wasn't always Aaliyah's first choice.
In fact, she started the sport at age 9 to
have something to do in between gymnastics and cheerleading.
She began to train under well known coach Ted Beverly
with the Lauderhill Cheetahs here at the track at Plantation
High School.
Her skill was undeniable.
I really liked it, gymnastics and cheerleading better, but I
had to go with what I was the best at.
Now Aaliyah will take her best to Paris and compete
in the first round of the 400 meter race on
August 5th.
But first, she will join 500 other American athletes on
a boat ride down the River Sen in the opening
ceremony.
It's a moment she's ready for.
I think it's going to be very exciting just to
be a part of something that's like different from other
Olympics, like riding the boat.
I think it'll be very fun and a new thing
for everybody to experience in Plantation.
Marissa Bag.
NBC 6 News.