Face Masks

I just finished reading an excerpt from Kenny Moore’s book “Bowerman and the Men of Oregon.” Added it to my wishlist!
He touches on the 1972 Olympics in Munich. It must have been absolutely terrifying for the athletes.

“That’s a gunshot.”… A few minutes later came the pounding on the coaches’ door… Before him stood an Israeli racewalker, Shaul Ladany… “Can I come in? Can I stay here?” … The Arabs are in our building…. They’ve shot some of our people.” I got out through the window.”

Some humans think they are superior.
We come in all sizes, shapes, and skin color. There are similarities in all of us. We speak differently - yet our smiles are the same.
I am a firm believer that events like the Olympics bring us together - not divide us.
So instead of getting off the airplane wearing face masks; why not check out what marathon runner Viktor Röthlin did.

Image on wiki - Dan Brady

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Soon - Olympic Events to Watch

Only 15 days till the start of the summer Olympics in Beijing.
The NBC network will be streaming online videos of all the action. You have to first install a viewer by Microsoft called Silverlight.
(Not sure I will be able to watch on MyMac Book...) Then, apparently with this software, you will be able to watch several events all at once - depending on your bandwidth and system.
I just watched one of their videos on Ryan Hall. There's a commentary on his life including a clip of his enthusiastic victory wave after running 26 miles - becoming one of our Olympians. Totally Inspiring!
In this year’s Olympics there are 26 running events, and I’m going to try and watch all of them on television or streaming video online.

What’s your favorite event to watch? A little table tennis action, some diving, or beach babe volleyball?

The USA Track&Field Team going to China. (I count 5 from Eugene, Oregon!)

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Dealing With Disappointment

Just wondering how athletes and other runners deal with disappointment.

I was at the Olympic Track and Field Trails yesterday - actually outside the main gate, but close enough to hear the starting gun. There were hundreds watching the last events unfold on twin Jumbotron Screens.
I was particularly sad to see Gabe Jennings fall behind in the final 1500. He had the lead and then gasp – it faded away.
Talk about disappointment. His dream postponed or erased?

A comment from Gabe after the race:

“I wanted it real bad…I guess I have to stick around for another four years now, damn.”

Many times when we are disappointed when want to blame others. We complain a lot. We get angry and even feel sorry for ourselves.
Worst yet – we stop taking risks. We don’t want to set ourselves up for another failure.
I run away (sorry for the pun) from my failures. I’m disappointed because my body did not behave as I had requested. Instead I should be more compassionate after all I’m only human.
Yes, there are some exceptional human beings – but I bet if I interviewed them they would mention that they also lost a few along the way.
How do you deal with disappointment?

"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way. "
Robert Kiyosaki

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Drug Screen Harassment?

Our local paper is doing a magnificent job of covering the Track and Field Olympic trials. Each day they have added a full section in the paper, including interviews, results, photos and opinions.
Today, I read with dismay the article on the rigors drug screening for top finishers. What they have to endure seems a little over the top to me.
For the urine sample: [Quote from the paper]
“The athlete is required to expose him or herself from the mid torso to mid thigh. Providing a clear view to the observer." Tim Christie The Register Guard

Speaking from personal experience, I had to provide a urine sample as part of employment regulations... After proof of identification I was handed gloves and a cup, then instructed to leave the door open so they could hear me…
I find the whole process of drug testing degrading. It’s ashamed we must all be treated this way just because a few have felt it was OK to be involved with drugs.
BTW

"Viagra is not on the International Olympic Committee's list of prohibited drugs."
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A special kudos to the paper’s photographers for the top notch photos taken!!!

Image Ben Johnson 1988 Olympics (wiki)

Track Town USA Duck

There is a new Olympic ambassador – Track Town USA Duck – stationed at the Eugene airport to greet all the track and field athletes arriving next week.
This video shows her (yes it’s a female duck) journey to the airport.
I wonder if NIKE had a hand at designing those web foot runners. Quack,quack!

On a sad note I hear Alicia Shay will not be running in the Olympic trials next week due to an injury. She was an entry in 10k event.
Man - life is certainly challenging her; having to deal with the death of her husband, Ryan Shay and now this...

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