ST. LOUIS — Dawn Harper-Nelson knows a thing or two about the Olympics.
In 2008, she took home the gold in the 100-meter hurdles. Four years later, she took home a silver medal in the same race at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
In 2017, she added another achievement to her personal resume as she took home a silver medal in the World Champions.
In fact, Harper-Nelson is the first American 100-meter hurdler to ever win gold at an Olympics and turn around to medal in the following Olympic games.
She is a true champion on the world stage.
That's why it's so fun to watch the East St. Louis native's latest project on social media, giving us an inside look at the mind of an Olympic hopeful.
She posted that she wanted to share the journey of the Olympics and offer a different perspective about what athletes are going through months out of the games.
"There is a mental and physical part to this dream, and I want to talk about it," posted Harper-Nelson. "I'm invested because I love the process of what the athletes are going through right now. They are in for a long journey."
In some posts, Harper-Nelson gives encouraging words that anyone could take to heart.
"Be open to learning, it helps," said Harper-Nelson. "Keep your support system tight -- not everyone is worth being in your circle." With that being said, she ends a post saying, "You are capable. Go hard or go home. You got this."
Fans looking for motivation in life and in sports have had strong reactions.
One comment posted, "See... this message is RIGHT ON TIME..."
Another posted, "Somehow I always run across her post at the right time! Following. Definitely gotta keep this on my journey."
Someone else wrote, "Thank you I would love to attempt the trials but I'm 17 and need more training to run against the legends I've seen on TV."
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