Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Culture

Alexi Pappas’ Olympic Poem “Before” Gives Us Chills

You can feel every emotion she beautifully shares with her words.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Alexis Pappas looks out at the Olympic track, where she will race the 10,000 meters for Greece, for the first time.
Alexis Pappas looks out at the Olympic track, where she will race the 10,000 meters for Greece, for the first time.

Before, Olympics 2016

I face the thing before
I do the thing
so when I imagine the thing
I know what color its eyes
where
it is ticklish
what makes it cry
the spots it is shy
the cracks
where bravery hides
so that when I need it

I can keep it

pull it out from inside