Many new moms set weight and fitness goals after the birth of their new bundle of joy. Sadly, though, quite a few of them get sidetracked and delayed – even under the best of circumstances.

So, when Sharon Thompson (husband to Chief Legal Counsel for Team, Kevin Thompson, and Pastor Robert Dickie's daughter) set her sights on making her athletic comeback in 2008 – less than a year after the cesarean section birth of her first son Luke – it seemed like a tall order.

While an optimist at heart, Sharon didn't kid herself into thinking it would be easy. The last time she'd competed in a 10k was back in June of 2004, at the last Olympic Trials. Though she knew it was going to be an uphill battle, she had no idea just how hard it was going to be.

There were obstacles around every corner.

Any new mom can tell you how challenging the demands of caring for an infant are. Sharon can relate, and her experience has been anything but typical.

When Sharon and Kevin's son Luke was born in June of '07, doctors discovered that he was allergic to formula. This means that Sharon is STILL nursing, so the recommended "full night's rest" that training athletes need is frequently interrupted.

Despite that, she's still managed to run every day – rain or shine, no matter what.

Additionally, Sharon has moved to Flint since her last competitive training. While Flint, Michigan is a great place to raise a family, it isn't exactly a Mecca of state-of-the-art training facilities, equipment, coaches or experts. Sharon found herself completely removed from her familiar training group and environment.

Instead of letting that hold her back, Sharon forged ahead with continued support and encouragement from her husband. Some days (most days) she ran alone. A few times a week, her brother Bob Dickie and a friend, Gary Brimmer, would run with her and cheer on her determination and progress.  Kevin jokingly said, "I'd love to run with her, but there's something about a 200 pound guy running for an hour and a half that doesn't make sense to me!"    

As if training on her own was tough enough, there were bigger obstacles to overcome…

When Luke was born, he was born with a birthmark on his cheek, under his eye. After running some tests and checking the results, doctors determined that the birthmark was potentially cancerous.

Cancer is such a scary possibility ANYTIME, but when it's you're newborn son, the threat is even more terrifying. This year, Luke has gone through two surgeries in an attempt to have it removed. The emotional strain and the routine check-ups would have been enough of an excuse for a less determined woman to call it quits.

Not Sharon! With constant encouragement from her husband and the tremendous support of her mother, Mary and sister, Joanna, she was free to continue her rigorous training, confident that her son was in loving, caring and attentive hands.

Of course, you wouldn't really expect anything less from a three-time All-American and future Lady Vol Hall of Famer…

Earlier this month, in Palo Alto, Sharon woke up and found herself confronted with yet another obstacle, right when it looked like all systems were go.

She'd been scheduled for the Fast Heat 10k, but suddenly found herself bumped to the Slow Heat roster. It was a terrible blow. "This was my only shot to qualify for the Olympic Trials, there was no way I was going to lose my slot without a fight."

So Sharon hit the phones and Kevin went out to hunt down the Meet Director.  One way or the other, they were determined to make it happen. There was no other option.

It took awhile, but eventually, their efforts met with success. To be fair, the irritation and doubt they initially met with from the Director would SEEM justified. Since Sharon hadn't run a 10k in four years, they probably thought they were doing her a favor by transferring her to the Slow Heat division.

To make a long story short, historically, there were 24 runners competing in the Fast Heat.

Not this year… This year, there were 25!

When 10:00 rolled around on May the 4^th, conditions were picture-perfect. The temperature was mild – in the mid 50's. A slight, cooling breeze was blowing. 25 fast (very fast) runners were at the ready, waiting for the signal shot.

Before the 10K race, Sharon was nervous. It was tempting to lose her focus and get sidetracked by the negative thoughts pulling at her mind. Instead of psyching herself out thinking about the enormity of the task ahead, she broke the race into 25 mini-races, with a target time at each increment.  Once the gun went off, she was in the zone.

32 minutes and 49 seconds later, averaging 5 minutes 15 seconds per mile, Sharon Thompson crossed the finish line – shaving an impressive 8 seconds off of her own personal best time.  Despite her rollercoaster year, she accomplished her mission and qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials.  She will compete against the best of the best in late June for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.          

Sharon's story is a testament to the power of dreams.  Instead of falling short because of her challenges, she succeeded in spite of them.  Her victory is sweet and well deserved.