Night With Olympians in Chanute - KOAM TV 7

Night With Olympians in Chanute

A group of Olympians head to Chanute, Kansas for a Neosho County Community College event "Night with Olympians".

All proceeds going to the college's track and field programs.  A live and silent auction of Olympic apparel and other gifts was held throughout the evening.  Some Olympians we spoke with remain humble with their experiences.

"For so many people that are in the general public, they think of a track athlete as being a once every 4 years, that's the only time we ever do something, but I was very fortunate and that I actually made my living and lived as a professional athlete for that entire time. So pole vaulting was my job" says Olympic pole vaulter Jeff Hartweigh.

"Being nominated female athlete of the 20th century from Sports Illustrated for women it's a great honor, but I keep things in perspective. Because for me I didn't do it for accolades or awards or rewards, it was just a dream. And to see my dream become a reality" says track and field Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee.

Several of the Olympians say they still participate in track and field as coaches now.