It was an emotional meet-up for an Arkansas family— they just saw their 19-year-old daughter Lexi Weeks finish her first appearance as a pole vaulter in the Summer Games.
It’s because of the community in their hometown of Cabot, AR., that they were able to be in Rio de Janeiro for the Games.
“I just competed in the Olympics, and that’s something I’m never going to forget for the rest of my life,” Olympian Lexi Weeks said.
After the U.S. trials, the Weeks family thought Rio wasn’t even an option.
“One of us would have been here, but I would have been sleeping on the streets somewhere probably,” said her father, Brent Weeks.
Friends and neighbors in Cabot were able to raise more than $15,000 for the Weeks family to get them to the Games.
“People gave money they didn’t have to get us here so we could support a local girl, and we could support our daughter,” Brent Weeks said.
“It was overwhelming, humbling, and I’m so thankful to everyone who donated. Not just financially but emotionally and just sent their support and encouragement, I can’t thank everyone enough,” Lexi said.
However, Lexi did not advance to the pole vault finals.
“I can’t say that I’m not disappointed in my performance today but it’s been a long season and I’m just grateful to be here and I truly am,” Lexi Weeks said.
