We have all had those moments where we think that we have given it our all but then were able to push through and exceed our own expectations.  In Louisiana, a young man did just that but pushed so far his body could not keep up.  Christian Bergeron was in the Lousiana Class 5A State Cross Country Championships when what looked like a great performance turned into his journey of perseverance.  Twenty-five yards from the finish line his body suffered from dehydration in the Louisiana heat; he began to slow down then eventually collapsed.  He tried to get back up but continued to fall over in pain.  Bergeron was able to crawl across the finish line and place 39^th (he was in 13^th before he collapsed).

Bergeron’s story is very inspirational and should be a motivator to us all when we are going through tough times, but a big issue came up with this story.

When Bergeron was pulled off the track by his cousin and his mother, there were no paramedics around to give him the aid that he needed.  His parents had to transport Christian themselves to the hospital, where he is now in good condition.

The medical staff on hand was to be coordinated by the facility that was hosting the event, according to the LHSAA executive director.  Northwestern State, the host facility, had some trainers there and said they could call an ambulance if needed, but when kids are participating in one of the toughest sports in such hot and humid conditions, shouldn’t having an ambulance present be mandatory?  Let’s be thankful that Christian Bergeron has healed well and provided us with a motivating story, and hope that the right measures will be taken in the coming years to ensure all high school athletes are protected.

By: Chris Swift

(Image by Michael Lokner used under a Creative Commons license.)