I have been watching the U.S. Olympic trials for the past two weeks. It doesn't even matter which sport. I am partial to Track and Field, but I have been watching diving, swimming and anything else that I come across. I loved seeing the clips from Ashton Eaton setting the Decathlon world record and so far I like watching all of the events, even the distance races.
The Olympics are always so inspirational. The athlete stories, the agony of defeat, the drive to win and be the best in the world at something all add to the charm of the Games. That brings me to my point, the most disappointing bit of the trials had to be the drama around the Women's 100m dash 'dead heat'. This situation got so many Americans excited about Track and Field and the run-off would have been one of the most watched 11 seconds ever.
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1. The USATF didn't have any provisions in place for a 3rd place 'tie'.
2. Jeneba Tarmoh declined to race against Allyson Felix for her spot in the individual race.
The options boiled down to both athletes selecting either a run-off or a coin toss. If they don't agree, it's a coin toss. Or someone could concede their spot to the other, much like Michael Phelps in the 200m freestyle swimming race. He granted the opportunity of a lifetime to one lucky and talented swimmer, Ricky Berens. I don't consider this the same issue because Michael Phelps has a gazillion medals and it's insane to compete in 8 events at the Olympics.
I understand leaving things to God, but this is the Olympics. Fight for your spot, even if it is against one of the fastest women in the world today. You trained for this and you never know what will happen, that's why we race. Jeneba will be representing the United States as part of the 4x100m relay pool - but how does this leave the rest of the team? I would want someone who wants to run hard all of the time. Athletes are, by nature, competitive and who wouldn't want to race, even against a friend?
What would you have done?
Nonetheless, I am excited for the Olympics and I can't wait to watch. Go USA!!!!!
Great post today.
ReplyDeleteI would have run the race, win or lose. It's an opportunity to show the world that I am worth of the 3rd place spot, and it gives me a chance to win the gold medal in London. Now, it's unlikely that she will get sponsorships from companies, opportunities to be a broadcaster or whatever Olympic hopefuls and athletes do. No one wants a loser. I feel bad that she didn't have the mindset to go for the gold, but if she said it was a message from God, I guess she can take that up with him.
Hi Peachy,
DeleteI hadn't thought about the sponsorship angle, but I completely agree with you. Hopefully it turns out positively for her.
Once in a life time opportunity forfeited. I remember running in a final cross country meet, where my main competition, a guy favored to beet me tripped and fell. This made me the team MVP. Not the most glorious, but the facts of the race stood.
ReplyDeleteYou never win unless you put yourself out there. I agree with peachy, there is a lot more to gain. Win loose or even a fall.
There have been some crazy Olympics stories like yours. You have to play to win. I agree with you. Looking forward to watching the Olympics in about 11 days!
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