The clouds looked threatening, but in the minutes prior to the 7 PM start of the Opening Ceremonies for the 2018 USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships, there was hope the rain would stay away just long enough to have a dry celebration. Members of the famous North Carolina A&T State University Drumline were ready to lead the celebration, and they did not disappoint, even when the clouds opened up and drenched the athletes and coaches as they entered the stadium.

But the rain did subside for the crowd to hear the national anthem sung by Madeline Manning, the only US woman to ever win a gold medal at 800 meters. She was present with other Gold Medal winning members of the amazing 1968 US Olympic Track & Field team, including Bob Beamon, Dick Fosbury, John Carlos and Tommy Smith. It was a fabulous start to what is certain to be a great event!

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