Grant Fisher’s Path to the Paris Olympics: A Journey of Determination and Coaching

The Journey of Grant Fisher to the Paris Olympics

The broad strokes of Grant Fisher’s journey toward the Paris Olympics began to take shape last October at a quaint coffee shop nestled in Salt Lake City. Fisher, who holds the American record in both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, made a pivotal decision to hire Mike Scannell as his coach. This partnership, in many ways, represented a refreshing shift for a runner who was in search of something new yet familiar, as Scannell had previously been Fisher’s high school coach.

Every Olympian has a unique narrative detailing their path to the Games, often marked by sacrifices made, obstacles overcome, and gaps bridged through sheer determination—whether it be through miles run, financial investments, or personal suffering—all to ensure the athlete can keep progressing toward their goals.

However, Fisher’s story stands out: to chart his course to Paris, he found it necessary to look back in time. He spent the majority of an afternoon in that coffee shop, re-establishing a connection with Scannell. Fisher listened intently as his former mentor laid out a comprehensive vision for how he could turn his Olympic dream into reality: to step onto the medal podium at the Paris Olympics.

“We spent hours upon hours scribbling notes and mapping out an extensive plan,” Fisher, now 27, reflected in a recent interview.

That meticulously crafted plan culminated on an exhilarating Friday night at the Stade de France in St.-Denis. In a dramatic race filled with intensity, Fisher emerged victorious, clinching the bronze medal in the 10,000 meters. Blood streamed from wounds on his shins, remnants of spikes from his competitors, but the cheers of his family ringing from the stands fueled his determination and spirit.