In Alamosa Colorado, seven days before the '68 Olympic Trials, all the runners herded into the college dorm to watch the '64 Games film. During the marathon coverage, Abebe Bikila came into focus as he "floated" down the Japanese thoroughfare..."Bikila's expression was intense, not a frown but forever unsmiling as he patiently drew away from Ron Clarke and the rest of the world. He was immune to the noisy crowd, the other runners, his healing appendectomy...everything. His gaze on the road ahead never faltered and his cheeks and lips quivered with each stride as though he were counting. His determination and excellence were classi and so intense that a shudder went through me. My eyes collected water until it seemed I was watching through a rain-streaked window. "in that moment, I knew I had to get into the Games. I wasn't sure how I would do it, but I knew I had to be a part of them.