Jahvid Best's football career might be over but his Olympic dreams are about to be fulfilled.
Best, a former high school sprinter, has been approved to run the 100 meters for Saint Lucia's Olympic track and field team. Best has a Saint Lucian father who holds dual citizenship.
"When I think about] the road I have traveled to get here I get tons of emotions. A couple of years ago my lifetime dream was crushed," Best [told NBC. "I was devastated, but I never stop dreaming and believing in myself. My family has instilled a lot of values that has enabled me to persevere through it all."
The former Detroit Lions running back met the Olympic qualifying standard of 10.16 seconds. Best registered a personal-best of exactly 10.16 in the 100 meters on April 2, according to NBC Sports. Despite reaching the qualifying time, Best had to wait until he was given the green light on representation.
"This is a huge accomplishment for me, but at the same time this is just the beginning. I have only been in this sport for two years professionally, and plan on being around for a long time," Best explained. "Above all else I'm excited to get out there and make my country and family proud!"
His personal-best mark wouldn't have made the 100-meter final at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials.
It's good to see him continue his track and field career after his football one was cut short.