When I began nurturing dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete at around age 6, I had no idea that this secret desire would lead me to Atlanta, Barcelona, and Sicily as well as to cities all over the United States. Neither did I think I would witness the speed, power and prowess of teammates and competitors in every aspect of track and field. Nor could I have dreamt that a good friend and fellow runner would end up being arrested and charged with murder. But these experiences and much more make up the essence and core of my ascent from the tiny town of Exton in St. Elizabeth in Southern Jamaica to the heights of competition and global recognition while I was in my 20s.