Frank Schiro sheds the biggest weight of all
Quarter-milers like to say they run the last 100 meters with something on their back — a horse, a refrigerator, a planet. But the last 100 is easy as a feather for M50 dashman Frank Schiro. He’s carried a far worse burden: heroin and alcohol addiction. Still attending A.A. meetings, Frank told me his story last year and sent me a book on the history of heroin that included a chapter on his case. Then I asked for an interview. He graciously granted my request, and it’s now online.
Frank is frank in the interview, saying “the truth is the truth.” But he didn’t want me to dwell on the sordid parts of his past. I didn’t have to. The inspiring parts were far more interesting. He ran legs on world record and world-championship relays and last year was America’s top-ranked 400-meter sprinter in the M50 age group. And he loves cats.
Today, Frank runs a specialty business called Dream Pillow that makes and markets “a wide range of hand-crafted scented and unscented pillows, sachets, and small bags.”
His future is in his own hands now — not heroin’s. And I hope you join me in celebrating his sobriety — 10 years, 9 months and counting.
3 Responses
Ken,
Applause for your writing and Mr. Schiro’s formidable will.
Frank,
I was amazed and proud of you the moment you expressed that experience with me some years ago….and still am. Also proud of who you are and what you’ve become in this life we all share.
I’ve missed track & Field over the last few years and some of the beautiful people who go with it that has touched my life wonderfully.YOU ARE ONE OF THEM…but still you are a little nuts, but real :).
Keep pushing yourself to higher ground….and don’t forget about about me. I need your inspiration too.
Sal
Francis, You have recieved a special gift in regards to your ability to deal with what you have gone through ! And that gift has taken you from the depths of obscurity thus allowing you to reach the top of all your endeavors! Your future looks very bright. I know that you will always continue to be that person who will be willing to share his expierences and to help people realize that they can also overcome adverce situations in thier life .
Rizzy
Leave a Reply