COLUMBUS, Ohio — A record 26 Ohio State Buckeyes are heading to the Olympics later this month, including five track and field athletes.
Anavia Battle and Eric Harrison are two sprinters that compete side-by-side for the Buckeyes, but will represent different countries in Tokyo.
Harrison is competing for Trinidad and Tobago.
“I always told myself that that was something I wanted to do,” said Harrison.
The junior was raised in Washington D.C. in a Trinidad household. He said he knew in high school that he wanted to represent his mother’s country in the Olympics.
“It’s surreal for her and my family,” said Harrison. “I’m getting messages everyday them telling me how proud they are of me. I did exactly what I said I would do.”
While Harrison knew he wanted to represent Trinidad, it wasn’t until high school that Battle discovered she was fast.
“My freshman year, I was just doing it to be a part of something,” said Battle. “Once I realized the gift I have and how good I am at this sport, I started to take it seriously because I like winning.”
The OSU senior said she’s focusing on her mentality heading into Tokyo.
“I think just doing me, staying comfortable with the things I’ve been doing, more just relaxing more mentally,” said Battle.
And Harrison said he’s going to try to soak it all in.
“I would say my goals are to definitely enjoy myself, enjoy the experience,” said Harrison.
