Warwick resident moves to Colorado to fulfill Olympic dream
WARWICK — Warwick resident Louis Tafuto has been working day in and day out to fulfill a dream he's had since childhood.
Tafuto dreams of winning a gold medal in the triathlon at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. And his total expenses could approach $100,000.
The young athlete has been doing it all relentlessly; daily and hourly, all on his own. But he can't do it now without the necessary tools for success.
After graduating from New York Institute of Technology with a degree in architecture, Tafuto, who had always been passionate about long distance running, decided to fulfill his dream of competing in the Olympics.
But his dreams were dashed when he evaluated the level of performance achieved by the incredibly talented runners coming out of many African countries.
His best didn't match their worst.
In that moment of reality he was thrust into a decision that would direct the rest of his life. Try to make a career out of his new architectural degree, or find a new way to get into the Olympics.
By applying the skill and endurance required for long distance running to his years of training in swimming and biking, he would have a good chance to win a gold medal in the triathlon.
Dream delayed
However, years ago, when he was in high school, an unforeseen event might have shattered that dream.
While training on his bike one day, Tafuto was hit by a car.
After pulling rocks and glass out of his back for nearly two hours, doctors said he would need at least three months to heal his fractured hip. That was enough time off to take him out of any national championships.
He decided to get back to training within two days.
Enter Lawrence Polsky, a neighbor and friend, who wants to make Tafuto's Olympic vision come true.
Early last year Polsky, a managing partner with a consulting firm that specializes in maximizing team performance, organized a fund-raising campaign to help Tafuto move to Colorado to be near his Olympic Coach and the Olympic Training Center.
To contribute
Now, Tafuto is in Colorado and funds are the only barrier to his dream of winning a gold medal in the triathlon at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
To help Louis Tafuto fulfill the Olympic dream, visit:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/man-on-a-mission/x/2654787
- Roger Gavan