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Olympic Trials – Do or Die

Every four years it seems the same controversy arises when some star, a sure bet to win the Gold, fails to advance through the trials process. I know it seems cruel and heartless but so be it. There is no other fair way to do it. Could you imagine picking by committee โ€“ what a mess that would be, I know enough about the personalities and biases of the people who would probably be the decision makers and that would be a disaster. I can see scenarios where sponsors would bribe selectors and on and on. It should always be decided on the track and in the field not in a closed room. Part of the skill of coaching and competing is being ready at the right time. If Tyson Gay felt his leg before the 200 meters he and his coach should not have had him run. It is simple it is called injury management. He was already on the Olympic team in the 100 and most probably in the 4 x 100, why run and jeopardize his chances in the 100?

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4 Comments
  1. Hey Vern,
    I read this in the Australian on-line newspaper today:
    Gay said he felt a twinge in his left hamstring before the race, but ran even though coach Jon Drummond suggested he reconsider if there was a problem.
    So I guess he didn’t listen to his coach or his body…
    Adam

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  2. All well and good for a country like the US with a population of 300 million. But for most countries the luxury of not picking a genuine medal contender does not exist.
    I’m from Ireland and since Ronnie Delaney’s 1,500metre success at the Melbourne Games of 1956, the only Irish track and field medals have been the silvers from John Treacy (1984 marathon) and Sonia O’Sullivan (2000 5,000m). If we have anyone capable of winning a medal they will be selected, whether they turn up for the nationals or not.

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  3. Greed perhaps?

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  4. @liam – the thing is Track and Field sports are second fiddle, to Gaelic Football and Hurling.The G.A.A. is the largest amateur sporting org. in the world, which says it all. 800,000 members out of a population of 6 million. Boxing is the only Olympic sport that Ireland actively competes in/

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