Coming off a torn ACL, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is having an incredible year. Despite his numerous accomplishments he still wants more as he sets his sights on the Olympics. Read more after the jump.
Peterson is up for most valuable player, offensive player of the year and comeback player of the year awards at season’s end but he also has his eye on Olympic gold.
In an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Peterson said he wants to attempt to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in track. He hopes to join the likes of Bob Hayes, James Jett and Michael Bates as people able to play in the NFL and earn an Olympic medal.
Peterson said he was planning on making a run at the Olympics before he injured his knee last year. He had planned on running in a few track meets over the off-season to see how he felt running track again. Peterson said he wants to qualify for the Olympics in the 200- and 400-meter races.
“That’s a goal of mine that I want to accomplish,” Peterson said. “…Now that I’m back and refreshed, I think I’m going to give it a shot still.”
Peterson even feels he can take on Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter who holds the world records in the 100- and 200-meter races.
“I feel like I can stand up to any challenge,” Peterson said. “I know a lot of people laugh and be like ‘come on, let’s be real with yourself.’ It’s Usain Bolt, but I feel like you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”
While Peterson is one of my favorite players, beating Usain Bolt is probably highly unlikely. Making the Olympic team however isn’t exactly far fetched. Peterson says he’s thinking about attending Penn Relays to “test the waters” and see how he does against the competition. I’m looking forward to that.
