Innumerable tales of redemption and determination unfold every day in the world of sports. Likewise, a young junior at Texas A&M also saw a dream. It’s a dream that almost every professional athlete manifests at least once in their lifetime. It’s the dream of representing one’s own homeland at the Olympics. And when the young track and field star failed to make it to the Olympics during her NCAA days, the resilient athlete returned after 12 long years to complete her dream. 

Natosha Rogers has been around the track and field realm for a fairly long time. In 2012, her 10000m dash in the NCAA led her to qualify for the London Olympic trials. Sadly, Rogers failed to make it to the big stage back then. However, she did not give up hope.

The track and field star prepared herself thoroughly for the challenge. And after 12 long years, she once again gave it a go in the Paris Olympics trials. But oftentimes, putting your best foot forward is also not enough. As rightly mentioned by Rogers herself in an interview with ‘The Lapcount’, the quote of which was posted on X by ‘CITIUS MAG’ on January 24, 2024, “It’s going to be a chess game out there!.” 

Competing in the Paris trials, Rogers was disqualified at a crucial point in the race. However, showing her gritty self, the 33-year-old continued with all determination and finished the race. While she got immense applause for the same, the decision to power through despite the pain might not have been smart. Reminiscing the year 2024 on her Instagram, Rogers termed her decision to run at the Olympic trials as a ‘big mistake’. Reflecting on her decision to run the marathon, Rogers feels it significantly affected her physical and mental well-being. 

“Finishing that monster of a race left me broken and injured right at the start of track season where I have specialized over the course of my career and have consistently made US teams-regret is a tough pill to swallow,” said the 33-year-old. However, after having a rough year with multiple injuries and a missed Olympic spot, Natosha Rogers is finally ready for a New Year. She concluded her post by sharing a life lesson from her own bitter experiences. 

Rogers urged everyone not to get engrossed in something so much that one ends up regretting it.

“Don’t get so identified in a destination, goal or title that you lose yourself in the pursuit… Always listen to your gut and do what’s best for you not someone else,” Rogers mentioned. She stated the best thing to do was to enjoy and live in the present. Without pondering much about the result, an individual must always embrace the journey. 

Surely, the Olympic trials ended quite badly for Natosha Rogers. However, despite being in tears after the race, Rogers showed great character by claiming this was not the end of the road for her. What’s more – Rogers also hinted about giving a go at one more Olympic attempt! 

Natosha Rogers details future plans after the Olympic trials debacle

The crowd was cheering loudly as Rogers finished her race at the 2024 Olympic trials. With her body experiencing excruciating pain, Rogers was left teary-eyed after the physical draining she went through. However, one cannot expect an athlete who returned after 12 years to fulfill her dreams to give up so easily. Thus, in the post-race interview, Rogers clarified she did not intend to retire anytime soon.

In her post-race interview with CITIUS MAG 10 months back, Rogers stated, “Olympics Aren’t Over for Me… You can’t make it off of talent, and I got by my whole career just off of talent, and it’s time to get all my ducks in a row.”

Expressing excitement for her future, Rogers is looking to aim for more. Thus, with her eyes set further up on the track and field summit, it remains to be seen whether the New Year can bring track and field joy for Natosha Rogers.