Distance runner Gilbert Tuhabonye survived the ethnic violence in his native Burundi in 1993 and rebuilt his life in the U.S. He now coaches in Austin, Texas and has been attempting to qualify for this year's Olympics. He'll be writing about his preparations and giving his views on athletics leading up to the Games. CNN -- May 20, 2008 Athletes and non-athletes alike often have the dream of going to the Olympic Games -- it's the ultimate experience in sports. He may have not finished the London Marathon, but Gilbert Tuhabonye has overcome greater setbacks. I am no exception and this year, I decided to go for it, but first I needed a qualifying time in the marathon. I decided that the Flora London Marathon was my best shot at getting a qualifying time that might land me a spot on the team of my country -- Burundi.
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Marathon runner Gilbert Tuhabonye writes for CNN.com leading up to the Olympics
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Training has been tough and there is still some way to go if he is to qualify
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Survived ethnic cleansing in Burundi to make a new life in the U.S.
I trained hard in the @placeholder and was feeling very good about the upcoming race.