As I watched the “Closing Ceremony of the Paris Olympics” in the California afternoon, I spotted both of you on the television screen. I knew that I could watch the replay of and record the “Closing Ceremony" at 7:00 pm PDST. That is exactly what I did. Hope that you enjoy your picture, Sara and Kelly!
I took a video of both of you as the USA Team was entering the stadium. However, YouTube has blocked all my Paris Olympics videos because the IOC has copyrighted the material.
I definitely look forward to seeing both of you compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!
KEEP FIGHTING ON FOREVER, Sara and Kelly!
Michael, Trojan Candy was quite concerned about you in the Paris Olympics. In the Men's 400m Round 1 on Sunday, August 4th, you had the fastest time. That’s my Michael! In the Semifinals on Tuesday, August 6th, you qualified for the Finals. Then in the Finals on August 7th you started in the #4 lane and finished last. I was afraid that you were injured or caught Covid. Now, that I found out from your email that you were suffering from a nagging pain in your pelvis, I understand and hope that you are getting better every day.
On a HAPPY note, Congratulations and Best Wishes on your upcoming wedding! KNBC showed us your lovely fiancé Jenna Adams on the screen.
KEEP FIGHTING ON, Michael!
Trojan Candy knew that you could do it! You won your GOLD Medal in the 400m hurdles today in Paris!
CONGRATULATIONS, Rai!
Here is my interview of you at the brunch:
"Sitting next to Michael was Rai Benjamin. Rai told me that he transferred from UCLA to USC. We're so lucky that he did! Rai majored in Political Science. His specialty was the 400 m Hurdles. Rai's favorite food is "everything." He especially likes to eat oatmeal. As for musicians, Drake is Rai's favorite. Rai, like yours truly, loves to take pictures. He also likes to travel. He has just been to Switzerland, France and the Ukraine, with more countries to come. FIGHT ON, Rai!"
Since then, it has been nice to see you and Michael at several USC events:
As announced at the Coliseum at the USC vs. Oregon State football game on September 25, 2021.
"Now it was time for our team to come out of the tunnel. Five USC Gold Medal Olympians---Amanda Longan, Paige Hauschild, Raj Benjamin, Michael Norman and Kaleigh Gilchrist---led the team out. At the end of my video, the four USC football captains met at the middle of the field for the coin toss."
"Standing nearby was friend Rai Benjamin. Rai told me that he would be traveling to Japan for two weeks. He also assured me that he will compete in the Olympics in two years. Great, Rai! Keep Fighting On, Rai"
"What a surprise! Trojan Candy saw two USC track friends who have both won Olympic medals, Michael Norman and Rai Benjamin. Both are now Volunteer Assistant Coaches and training at USC for the next Olympics in Paris in 2024. Friend Larry Jung insisted on taking this picture of Michael, Rai and me. Thanks, Larry!"
KEEP FIGHTING ON, RAI!
Trojan Candy attended the Trojan Coaches Club's 2024 USC Football 5th Preview Show which was held at the Crest Sports Bar & Grill in Torrance. I recorded several videos in the available lighting. The lighting was somewhat low resulting in somewhat dark and grainy videos. Sorry, at least you can hear what was said.
USCFootball.com's Ryan Abraham began by talking about the football team, USC's compliance to Title IX, and his perception of how the football team was mentally. Then USCFootball.com Staff Writer Connor Morrissette talked about his interviews of various football players. Both of them fielded questions from the audience. Watch the two videos.
Hailey Tucker talked about her role as House of Victory Director of Communications and Marketing. She discussed how House of Victory is helping not only USC football players but also other USC athletes. See the two videos.
Running back Woody Marks was interviewed by Connor Morrissette. He is such a humorous speaker. He fielded many questions. Watch all three videos.
After the program ended, both Akili and Woody posed with various people, of whom several I did not know. If you know any of them, please email me at cyee@hotmail.com the picture number [in brackets] and the name(s). Thank you.
