While certainly focused on the competition at hand, it always helps to have your loved ones nearby. For Russ and Kara Winger, it can be helpful in competition as well.
Kara was competing in the javelin on the first day of track & field at the Pan American Games. Upon receiving her bibs for competition, she quickly realized they said “Patterson”, her maiden name. Since Kara was entered in the competition as Kara Winger and not Kara Patterson, her husband Russ came to the rescue...with his bib.
Kara competed wearing Russ’s bib and took home a silver medal Tuesday. Russ competes in the men’s discus at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 23; we’ll have to wait and see if the medal mojo stays with the “Winger” bib.
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One is both an Olympian and a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. The other is a World record holder. But before Marquise Goodwin and Kyle Clemons donned the red, white and blue, they were teammates at Rowlett High School in Texas. Now both representing Team USA at the Pan American Games in Toronto, they now share another bond: roommates.
State champions in the long jump and 400 meters, respectively, Goodwin and Clemons will look to become champions in Toronto as well. Goodwin jumps in the finals of the men’s long jump at 6:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 22, while Clemons competes in the finals of the men’s 400 meters at 7:20 p.m. ET Thursday, July 23.
Though not likely to repeat itself, Goodwin and Clemons have relay history as well. Here they are on Rowlett’s 4x100m relay at the Penn Relays Carnival in 2009. (Photo courtesy of Dallas Morning News)
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