Adaptive Standouts Shine In Epic Rivalry

 
There was a storyline Saturday that might have flown under most people's radar. It was that of Lecanto senior Matt Giardino and Vanguard junior Joey Gibbs. Lecanto and Gibbs are the only adaptive athletes on their team, thus the team titles rested with the outcomes of the head-to-head, individual competition. In 2013, Giardino won the shot put, going 23-2 and Gibbs was third at 10-8.75. Giardino won the 800m last year in 2:53.30 to Gibbs' second place finish in 3:11.35. Gibbs won the 200m by the narrowest of margins, 38.304 to Giardino's 38.308. Giardino scored 28 for the Lecanto team and Gibbs racked up 24.
 
In 2014, Giardino again won the shot at 24-3, over two feet further than his mark from last year. Gibbs was second with 13-6, almost three feet further than his throw in 2013. Gibbs followed it up with a win in the 800m (2:45.16) to Giradino's 2:46.28 and it came down to Giardino's photo finish with Gibbs who would claim the 2014 title and it was the senior Giardino 36.58 to Gibbs' 38.86. Lecanto and Giadino would take it 28 to 26.
 
"I really wanted it, bad," Giardino said. "I just needed to relax, be calm under pressure and perform at the best I can and be happy with the result."
 
Flrunners: But still you have to be pretty happy about bringing home a state title.
 
Giardino: Heck yeah, I'll take that any day.
 
Flrunners: Describe the experience competing here at states. 
 
Giardino: The big crowd fires up everyone more. It's awesome.
 
Flrunners: Talk about your nemesis, Gibbs.
 
Giardino: I have nothing but good things to say about Joey. Without him, I wouldn't be as good as I am today.
 
Flrunners: Describe your history with Giardino.
 
Gibbs: It's great competition. We push each other to go faster and we get the best out of each other. 
 
Flrunners: You are usually in competition by yourself in a nearly empty stadium. What is it like competing against other athletes in this setting?
 
Gibbs: It's great. I can actually get nervous when I head to a track meet.
 

More Coverage