There were two Olympic track and field athletes at SPIRE Institute on Thursday in Geneva.
The first was four-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson. The other was four-time Olympic gold medalist Harrison Dillard of Richmond Heights.
Johnson was there to announce he would be opening the Michael Johnson Performance Training Center at SPIRE. Dillard was there to listen to Johnson give a motivational speech.
Johnson competed in three Olympics - Barcelona (1992), Athlata (1996) and Sydney (2000). Dillard competed in London in 1948.
What is remarkable is that Johnson is a six-time recipient of the Harrison Dillard Award which is named for the Hall of Fame sprinter/hurdler. The award is given annually to the outstanding male athlete in sprints and hurdles.
So on this day, Johnson and Dillard were side-by-side shaking hands in Geneva.
Who would have thought?
SPIRE Institute founders Ron and Tracy Clutter should be proud.
The Clutters are the founders of the non-profit GaREAT (Geneva Area Recreational Educational and Athletic Trust) and SPIRE Institute. They have brought a world-class facility to Geneva which is something everyone in the area should be proud of.
What is even more exciting is how this facility is going to grow over the years. How many more Olympic athletes are going to be associated with GaREAT? Time will only tell.
Right now, this is an exciting venture that is unfolding right before our eyes. Keep watching because the Clutters aren't finished just yet.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia