With the scheduled start of the Olympics fewer than six months away, Watervliet graduate Melique Garcia is looking to shine on the world's biggest stage after qualifying for the 100-meter dash for Team Honduras.

"I can't really explain the feeling that I have inside," Garcia said of the opportunity. "It's definitely surreal."

What You Need To Know

  • Watervliet's Melique Garcia has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics

  • He'll run the 100-meter dash for Team Honduras

  • He says it's a blessing to represent not only Honduras but also the Watervliet community

If this had been last year, when the Tokyo Games were originally scheduled before the pandemic hit, Garcia might not have been ready. But the postponement of the Games gave him time to prepare his body.

"Over the summer, after putting in a lot of work and getting everything right, my diet, everything, that's when all the times started coming,” Garcia said.

For Garcia, it's the chance to prove himself against the best in the world while representing Honduras and the Watervliet community.

"I feel blessed," Garcia said. "Me representing Honduras and Watervliet, and that allows them to hopefully get more funding and more athletes that want to come out for track, as well."

The Olympics are scheduled for July and August in Tokyo.