MIDLAND, Texas —
While Bryce Hoppel may have not placed in the top 3 in the big race today that didn’t change the support of his hometown of Midland in the slightest.
The Midlanders who came out today for the watch party were just happy to see that one of their own had made it to as big of a stage as the Olympics and as far.
“I think it's powerful to know he was from this town that not a lot of people have heard of. We don't necessarily have elite facilities, or elite programs. But if you have the drive and you're willing to put in the work, you can get to the Olympics and compete against the best in the world, even from Midland, TX... I was disappointed, would’ve loved to see him make that final charge and get on the podium. But like you, fourth in the Olympics is better than everybody else in the world except for three people. So, I'm proud of him. I know he's worked, so hard for that moment just to be on that stage, and he deserves all this celebration and excitement,” said Carrie Stallings, a Midland resident.
Hoppel’s journey to the Olympics is one that resonates with so many Midlanders, but especially with the younger generations of athletes. It shows them that their dreams are possible regardless of where they're from.
“I mean, that's the beauty of sports, right? I mean, you put in that time, you put in that dedication, that effort and you can reach global stages that you never thought would be possible... And that is just insane to think that a town from Midland and you've gone this far and succeeded this much. And to go out there and he ran a time better than he's ran all year on a global stage at the right time. I mean it's just really exciting to be able to see that,” said Eric Davidson, Councilman At-Large for the City of Midland.
So once Hoppel returns home, even without a medal, it seems he’ll be given a champion’s welcome with open arms.
Both Stallings and Davidson were then asked what message they had for Hoppel.
“Thanks for inspiring these kids, for showing what hard work looks like for giving the dedication to be able to allow a city to back you and to allow a city to come out here and support you and thank you for that,” said Davidson.
“Just congratulations. You don't get that far by sitting around on your rear end. So, I'm proud of all the hard work you've put in and I'm proud just to see someone setting goals and achieving them despite what I know, you've had a lot of obstacles, so I'm just really proud of you, Bryce,” said Stallings.