The year is 2020. Following the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the IAAF formally adopted the NASCAR model. The general public is now utterly fascinated with Track & Field. Since relaxing the rules on what constitutes “fair play” the fan base has exploded. Somebody clips your heels in the 3K, bloodying their nose is an appropriate response. Catch an elbow in a road 10K? Sucker punch that sucker. Somebody criticizes you during the pre race press conference? Go ahead and switch his timing chip with your grandmothers!
I watched some Nascar racing this weekend. Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon kicking and swinging, now that’s entertainment!
We also watched some of the USA Indoor National Championships. Check out this wild and crazy finish in the Womens 3000: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pmQ-kZgGz7s This type of determination is pure desire to win and is good for our sport. Reminds me of the Good Old Days, there were a lot of fierce rivalries and no love lost between the gun and the tape. Real Racing.
I’ll never agree with or completely understand those that try and dumb down the competitive side of our sport. I’ve been called “Elitist”, but then my detractors see what I do for runners of all abilities. I’ve also been charged with being “Divisive”. If being clear and loud when pointing out the differences between Real Talent and the merely mortal smacks of divisiveness then Hell Yes I’m Divisive.
But then my critics see that I bring Real Talent out of the merest of mortals, relative as it may be. See, we all have that Real Talent that was gifted to us. Its just that some of us aren’t afraid to accept where we are on that continuum. One of my greatest coaching skills is getting runners to understand they are no less an athlete or person just because they aren’t the fastest. If they are giving me what I ask, they are elevated to the top of my estimations.
One thing that won’t ever change is Me. I’ll keep my deep belief in the institution of pure competition. As much as the competition between people, moreso the competition between your ears. My insistence that anything less than your absolute best, to challenge yourself to your very limits, regardless of where that puts you in the results, dismisses your attendance at the discussion table of excellence in athletics.
I’ve made a lot of friends in this sport because of my attitude. And some enemies. I wouldn’t change a thing.
It was with Great Interest that I read how new USATF CEO Max Siegel overcame a very rough childhood to become an author, attorney, corporate executive, activist, and entrepreneur. A great example of the resiliency and strength of the human spirit.
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