Sprinter Seeks Redemption in London

Sprinter “Doc Patton”, photo courtesy of Victah Sailer

Having represented Team USA three times for men’s Track & Field and having already set foot on the Olympic stage twice, Darvis Patton, who prefers to be called “Doc”, is expected to bring a veteran presence to London at the 4x100m relay. And the Dallas native is OK with it.

Patton explains how this time around he’s been searching deep within to see how he can improve from year’s past. Asking himself things like “how can I be a tenth of a second faster,” which in his sport is a light year.

Although he’s a native to the sport and the Olympics, he’s still charged with a lot of pressure heading into the Games. “I haven’t had a lot of luck with the relays lately, I’ve been a part of the mishaps,” Patton admits as he recalls being labeled the “black cat” by fans.

“We owe it, especially myself as I can’t speak for everyone else, to the fans of Team USA a gold medal, a finished relay. We want to show the world that the U.S Track& Field men’s team is #1,” Patton said. The U.S. Men’s 4x100m relay team hasn’t finished a relay since 2007, and Patton has been at the helm of those botched baton passes and other disqualifications in 2008, 2009 and again in 2011.

“I’m blessed beyond belief to get another shot at the Olympics. I feel I’ve been given another chance to bring success to U.S. Track & Field. Other athletes wished they didn’t strike out at their last at-bat in the College World Series, but I’m lucky enough for a chance to correct that wrong,” Patton explains.

Coming off one of the fastest times of his career, Patton urges fans to keep the faith for him and his teammates. “Everyone’s rightfully calling London ‘redemption’ and I’m just happy to be a part of it,” he says. Quick to be humble, Patton credits much of his success to his teammates, coaches, family and even his massage therapist.

Photo courtesy of TrackTownPhoto.com

Patton holds a silver medal from his showing back in 2004 in Athens (along with three other medals from the World Championships and Pan Am Games) and confirms he’s going to return home to Texas with more. “I need more of those. I’m coming home with more hardware this time – preferably gold,” he confirms.

“I’m extremely blessed to be where I am,” Patton said. “You have a better chance of winning the lottery than making an Olympic team – with that I just may go play the lottery. After I win another medal,” he chuckles.

Follow Patton and his Olympic quest on Twitter @Doc_Patton

This article can be read in August 2012 print issue of 002mag, on page 37 where you can also read about some other Texas inspiring Olympians or online.