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VIDEO: NFL Quarterback Cheers on Wife Melissa Gonzalez During Hurdles Event at Tokyo Olympics

The Tokyo Olympics are no stranger to having athletes have their partners cheer for them. Although the COVID-19 situation in Tokyo disallows foreign travellers apart from athletes to attend the Games, many are taking to their television screens to cheer their favorite athletes on.

One such instance is Colombian sprinter Melissa Gonzalez. She had her husband David Blough cheer her on from Detroit during her 400m hurdles heat yesterday.

David Blough cheers on Melissa Gonzalez during 400m heat in Tokyo Olympics

Blough and Gonzalez knew each other since high school. In March 2019, the Detroit Lions quarterback tied the knot with the hurdles specialist.

Although Gonzalez was born in El Paso, Texas, she holds dual citizenship since her father is Colombian. Hence, the 27-year-old is representing Colombia in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. Yesterday, Gonzalez took part in the first heat of the 400m hurdles event.

While she finished second in the heat, she set a time of 55.32s. This meant she qualified for the semi-finals of the event. Along with qualification, she also set a new Colombian national record with her qualifying time.

This sent Blough and some of his Lions teammates into ecstasy during the watch party organised by the team back in Detroit.

Whole squad is behind you, Mel pic.twitter.com/rKpNko2KUI

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 31, 2021

After the event, Blough posted a tweet of his own to congratulate his wife of two years. The 26-year-old wrote, “On to the semifinal for Melissa with another PR! Thank you for all the love and support! JOY!!”

On to the semifinal for Melissa with another PR! Thank you for all the love and support! JOY!! pic.twitter.com/xlNxDjkJc5

— David Blough (@david_blough10) July 31, 2021

Gonzalez came into Tokyo on the back of excellent results this year. She took two gold medals in the South American Championships earlier this year. Along with the 400m hurdles event, she also won the 4x400m relay for her country in the event.

READ MORE: HILARIOUS: USA’s Raven Saunders Celebrates With a Twerk After Winning Silver in Shot Put at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Blough: I want so bad for her dreams to come

Prior to the Olympics, Blough described how it is watching her compete at any event. While he mentioned the emotions are diverse, he also mentioned how much he wants her to succeed.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Athletics – Women’s 400m Hurdles – Round 1 – OLS – Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Melissa Gonzalez of Colombia reacts after competing in Heat 1 REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

He said“I’ve seen the work that she’s put into it, and I want so bad for her to be successful. I want so bad for her dreams to come. What she’s achieved now is kind of what she’s been running for every single time she’s taken the track. We wanted it so bad. And I just wanted it for her.”

“It’s only 55 seconds but, man, it is gut-wrenching the whole time.”

Gonzalez will take part in the 400m hurdles semi-final tomorrow at 8:35pm local time. Should she qualify, she will compete for a medal in the final on August 4.

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