Story 1. 2007 Athletics World Olympics Meet in Osaka. Tyson Gay is 100m world champion
US athlete Tyson Gay is the world champion. He beat Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell.
In a 100-meters final that delivered all it promised Sunday, Gay was slower out of the blocks. Once his legs got pumping, he caught and surged past Asafa Powell to claim his first gold medal at a major international championship in 9.85 seconds.
"After 60 meters I saw that I could catch him -- and it worked," the former Arkansas Razorback said. "I stayed relaxed and believed in my top speed even though I had a bad start."
Powell was third in 9.96, and even though he is co-holder of the world record at 9.77, admitted he ran scared.
"I panicked. I felt him coming on," Powell said. "That slowed me down ... I made a big mistake."
Gay pumped his arms, beat his chest and shouted in delight in the victory that ended weeks of nervous preparations.
Gay, regularly slower out of the blocks than Powell, had feared a false start, which would put him even more on edge. But the race went off smoothly. And with his head wobbling from side to side, Gay hit his groove.
The Associated Press, Aug 27 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=2991777
Story 2. Johore State Athletics Championship
Mr Simen shared about one of his races at the Johore State Athletics Championship. It was the 800 meters championship. Mr Simen had a cold and was running against the state champion and record holder.
The approach and style was to pace the leader till the 200m mark. Using the natural ability and experience as a sprinter, the final spurt would usually win Mr Simen the championship. The flu medication taken which dried up the fluids left Mr Simen dehydrated, preventing the usual ploy from being used. It was on his mind throughout the race - 'When should I make my move'.
The expected dash only took place at the 50m mark. Despite the late surge, Mr Simen and his arch-rival were neck-to-neck and both athletes tipped forward at the finishg line. In a celebrated photo-finish, Mr Simen had lost by a whisker. It was a little too late and till today, the thought still lingers, "What could have happened if I started the dash earlier"
4. The Lesson
Mr Simen told the boys that term 4 was here. The examinations are just around the corner. Like running the marathon or any great race, now was the time to make the dash and surge ahead. Having a great start, past laurels, personal problems, interests and hobbies, socializing - EVERYTHING was now immaterial)
a. Like all athletes at the starting block, it is important to feel relaxed and not tensed up about the examinations.
b. Have discipline and focus in the weeks to come. Go into your stride and start pacing well for the exams in the weeks to come. Have a strategy and approach.
c. In the final stretch, give it all you've got. The discipline and focus will pay off.
"Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood.
If your stomach disputes you, lie down and pacify it with cool thoughts.
Keep the juices flowing by jangling around gently as you move.
Go very light on the vices, such as carrying on in society
The social ramble ain't restful.
Avoid running around at all times.
And don't look back
Something might be gaining on you"
- Satchel Paige, Cleveland Indians Pitcher http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Paige_Satchel.html http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/submit/Frommer_Harvey19.stm
No comments:
Post a Comment