In my mind, I already knew… the start, in a race, and in many cases in life, is critical to success. The pain was sharp, but I found a way to block it out.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1: Country Boy paragraph N/A)

Importance: These are Smith’s thoughts as he begins his Olympic race. The words relay Smith’s strategy in running, but they also relate to his childhood. While he comes from a very poor background, he comes from a loving family that values hard work and education, both of which take Smith far.

I had no idea what ‘segregation’ meant, not really. But our lives were all dictated by the separation of those who had and those who didn’t.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1: Country Boy paragraph N/A)

Importance: These words represent two key points. First, they represent the degree to which the Smith’s lives were dictated by racial injustice due to segregation. Second, they represent the degree to which Smith and his siblings were...