KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For Sharrieffa Barksdale, the new track in her hometown of Harriman, Tennessee means more than just a playing surface. The Olympic semifinalist was already a record-setting Hurdler when she qualified for the Games in 1984.
"It was a dream come true because when we crossed the finish line, I didn't know if I was going to make the team because it was a dead heat," said Barksdale reminiscing on her Olympic qualifiers.
She said growing up she didn't have the luxury of training on a paved surface. this inspired her to provide that opportunity for future generations of young athletes in Roane County.
"These athletes will have a place to come and run track and get a scholarship and further their career and become an Olympian," said Barksdale. "That means more to me than anything in life."
Her persistence in achieving the goal of getting a new track is representative of who she is as a person.
"If you know anything about Sharrieffa and it's in reach, I'm going to do it, and I'm going to get it done and today we all got it done," said Barksdale.
She held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for her new track on Saturday, honoring those in the community who helped make the dream a reality.
"That's the reason why I came back home to give back to the kids because the next Olympian can come right out of Harriman, Tennessee," said Barksdale.
While crews are still finishing the track's new running surface, Barksdale said it should open in the coming weeks.