Summer Reading Assignment: Newspaper
Summer Reading Assignment: Newspaper
Unbroken By: Laura Hillenbrand
The Torrance Gazette
“The Torrance Tornado,” Now “the Torrance Olympian”
On a sweltering day in July, our hometown hero represented Torrance in Olympic fashion. Louie Zamperini attempted his bid at a spot on the US Olympic team yesterday during the grueling 5000m race at the Olympic Trials. For those of you who do not know, this distance is unfamiliar territory for Louie, but he felt that his chances of winning a spot were better in this race. The race could not have been scripted any better. The runners took their mark and were off with the sound of the gun. Louie remained relatively incognito, as he dropped back right off the bat for a good nine laps. One by one, Louie made his march up to the front of the pack. The final lap was upon the runners. Lash, the leader, gave himself a breather and dropped behind Tom Deckard. Louie was positioned well behind Tom. Apparently, the runners ahead of Louie weren't aware that this was the prime time for Louie to strike. Louie put it into overdrive and flew right by Deckard, only Lash was in his way of 1st place. The two ran side by side for what felt like an eternity. Both were starting to feel the agonizing effects of the 5000m and were giving it their last ounce of strength for the final 100 yards. The tape was upon them and they dove right past the judges in a photo finish. Louie later said, “you couldn't put a hair between us.” The stadium erupted into cheers and then fell silent, anxiously awaiting the judges decision, as were both Lash and Zamperini. Finally, you could hear slight microphone noises, the announcers were ready. Zamperini, he said, had won! Alas, upon further review they recanted their decision and gave the match to Lash. That didn't phase anyone in the Zamperini household or anyone in Torrance because “The boy with the fast finish” secured himself a place on the Olympic team!
Unbroken By: Laura Hillenbrand
The Torrance Gazette
“The Torrance Tornado,” Now “the Torrance Olympian”
On a sweltering day in July, our hometown hero represented Torrance in Olympic fashion. Louie Zamperini attempted his bid at a spot on the US Olympic team yesterday during the grueling 5000m race at the Olympic Trials. For those of you who do not know, this distance is unfamiliar territory for Louie, but he felt that his chances of winning a spot were better in this race. The race could not have been scripted any better. The runners took their mark and were off with the sound of the gun. Louie remained relatively incognito, as he dropped back right off the bat for a good nine laps. One by one, Louie made his march up to the front of the pack. The final lap was upon the runners. Lash, the leader, gave himself a breather and dropped behind Tom Deckard. Louie was positioned well behind Tom. Apparently, the runners ahead of Louie weren't aware that this was the prime time for Louie to strike. Louie put it into overdrive and flew right by Deckard, only Lash was in his way of 1st place. The two ran side by side for what felt like an eternity. Both were starting to feel the agonizing effects of the 5000m and were giving it their last ounce of strength for the final 100 yards. The tape was upon them and they dove right past the judges in a photo finish. Louie later said, “you couldn't put a hair between us.” The stadium erupted into cheers and then fell silent, anxiously awaiting the judges decision, as were both Lash and Zamperini. Finally, you could hear slight microphone noises, the announcers were ready. Zamperini, he said, had won! Alas, upon further review they recanted their decision and gave the match to Lash. That didn't phase anyone in the Zamperini household or anyone in Torrance because “The boy with the fast finish” secured himself a place on the Olympic team!