March 19th, 2008
Runnerville Weekly #9
Assembled in Jamrock, aka Kingston, Jamaica.
In this episode:
- Matt Taylor attends the greatest track & field meet in the world (and sips Red Bull and Guinness with Usain Bolt).
Amby Burfoot likes Alan Webb.
Robert Johnson explains why it’s hard to be a fan. And he’s right.
Toni Reavis on an Olympic Boycott: It might be good for the sport; think about it.
Jeremy Mosher dispenses kudos (with mini M&Ms) to the media department at NYRR (aka, “nerr”).
Let us know what you think. Call in your comments to 206-888-0346.
[Music is “Jammin” by reggae legend and Jamaican icon Bob Marley.]
Last 5 posts by Matt Taylor- The Toni & Matt Show #17 - Vin Lananna - July 9th, 2008
- LetsRun.com Eugene '08 - June 30th, 2008
- The Toni & Matt Show #16 - June 17th, 2008
- USOC to USATF: Change Now! - June 14th, 2008
- The Toni & Matt Show #15 - June 11th, 2008
March 19th, 2008 at 11:34 am |
What I most appreciate about Tony is his ability to think outside the box. Usually someone in his position (AARP poster child) has either been beaten down by reality or so co-opted into a system that creative thought is as distant a memory as the senior prom.
What about his, “a boycott might be good for us” idea? I’m not sure that I’d be too keen on a boycott. I know a few athletes who missed the chance to compete in 1980. Not all have gotten over committing a lifetime for the chance to represent their country only to have that country turn around and say, “No, not this year.”
But, the sentiment is right on. The once-every-four-years model isn’t good for the sport.
Last week I disagreed with Amby, but this week I’m back on board. I too appreciate Alan Webb. The mantle of being a US distance phenomena is a heavy weight to shoulder. We want someone to come along and break the cycle of athletes who merely hope to make the Olympics – to reassert American dominance by winning medals. But when Webb fails to win a race or chooses tactics that don’t fit our armchair coach’s game plan we are quick to crucify him. Good luck to Alan in coming season. Just be careful what you eat!
And as always, Jeremy made me snicker.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:49 pm |
One of these days I’ll get a fully-fledged guffaw out of you… one of these days…
March 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am |
Jeremy, what if the term “kudos” originally meant “congratulations” and was conscripted by a candy company to mean a tasty little treat? Nike didn’t exactly just ‘come up with’ the name of their company, you know? Who’s got a copy of the OED when you need one?
March 21st, 2008 at 11:25 am |
The Fates saw the future and so the Greeks named their goddess “Nike” after the company. I’m sure of it. I laughed at Jeremy’s commentary. Not quite a “guffaw,” but more than a snicker (which tastes a lot better than a Kudos).