Gray On The Games

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – With the 800-meter Olympic final scheduled for Monday evening, one member of the cross country/track and field coaching staff knows how the eight men in Rio are feeling. Assistant track and field/cross country coach Johnny Gray has been in their shoes.

"The Olympics is another competition, but it brings all of the countries together at one time," Gray said. "There's no feeling better than that."

Gray, the American 800M record holder, is a four-time Olympian, and won a bronze medal in the event in 1992. While he enjoyed his time on the podium, his perspective on the experience was slightly different that most.

"A lot of times, we make it about the medals, and it's always great to go out there and win the medals, but the best experience is being able to compete with the different countries and represent your country."

Whether participating in the Olympics as a competitor or as a coach, Gray's outlook has never wavered.

"I see (the Games) as bringing countries together, competing in fun and love," Gray said. "That's truly what I got from the Olympic experience. That's what gets me excited when it's time for the next Olympic Games."