Michael Stigler’s legs have carried him a long way — to a NCAA championship in the 400-meter hurdles, four Big 12 titles and a spot in two Olympic trials, including the trials this summer.
But it’s his arm he looks to for inspiration. In black ink, extending around his right bicep, is a quote he thought up at 8 years old. “When I train hard, I will become stronger,” it reads. “And it will be difficult to beat me.”
Stigler carries that attitude as his training for the Olympic trials kicks up this month. In his first two races of the year at Rock Chalk Park, Stigler won the Kansas Relays’ collegiate open in the 400-meter hurdles.