Olympic heptathlete training in Dayton for 2016 games in Rio

It's been nearly four years since Chantae McMillan walked out of the Olympic Stadium in London after placing 29th out of 32 finishers in the women's heptathlon. McMillan makes no excuses about her first time in the sport's biggest spotlight, admitting she just wasn't good enough to compete.

Fast forward to the present and McMillan is confident the results will be different in 2016. "I'm better than I was in London," McMillan said after a recent workout at the University of Dayton track. "I'm healthy and stronger mentally, more mature and getting better in every event."

The Missouri native continues to train locally with Dayton native Lynn Smith as her coach, something she started before the 2012 games in London. "There are no distractions here," Chantae said. "I love it here and I actually wish I could get more involved in the community and meet more people."

McMillan has joined the University of Dayton track team as a volunteer assistant coach and she admits she sometimes sees a younger version of herself in the local athletes.

"There's this one girl that I tell myself this was me in college. It's fun to watch her take my little tidbits of advice and watch her improve in practice.

Jumping ahead to this summer, McMillan hopes to earn a spot on Team USA in late July and then build on that momentum in Brazil. "I know I'm better and I know I'm going to be where I need to be. I'm trusting the process for the trials and I know I can compete for a medal this time around."

In Other News

McCoy: Bullpen, De La Cruz lift Reds past Angels

Gene Smith ‘went berserk’ with Ohio State football coach salaries this...

Archdeacon: Teammates’ friendship grows into life-saving bond

Ohio State spring football review: Offensive line

Ohio State spring football review: Tight ends

About the Author

Mike Hartsock