Run-Down Forums

[Conway]

Track and Field Thanksgiving …

Given all of the negativity that has been associated with the sport this past year, I thought I would look at the things that I am thankful for in this sport …

I’m Thankful for:

1. The Internet … Thanks to the internet no matter where a meet is I can get near instant results (Now if the video will just get here)
2. Message Boards … In spite of the numerous individuals that use them to show their ignorance – they put fans of the sport in touch with each other – sharing ideas and information …
3. The plethora of talent that abounds in this sport … No matter how many are foolish and get banned there are other waiting to prove themselves …
4. Allen Johnson … Reminds me that all in the sport is not bad … Outstanding times … Titles … No bad press … No camp squabbles … No blemishes ….
5. The Olympics … Once every four years EVERYONE that is not injured or knocked out by their trials/federations shows up to compete !!! The best of the best … And THE WORLD watches … The sport gets a chance to strut its stuff to even the casualest of sports fans …
6. Relays … Individual ducking and dodging go out the window when the relay teams line up … And the excitement increases … And those who miss out on individual glory get to write their own stories – the JJ Johnson’s, Christine Arron’s and Marc Raquil’s of the world get to shine …
7. Electronic timing … No more wondering and guessing about times, winners, or places … There it is – live and in color … For some of you that’s just how it is … But some of us can remember when EVERYBODY ran 9.3 and some guys were clearly faster than others …
8. Professionalism … I’ve gone back and forth on this one … Money has been the root of all evil in this sport … BUT it has allowed individuals to devote their energies to perfecting their craft … And so we have an Allen Johnson … It has prolonged careers and attracted talent … So I guess – as with so many things – we have to take the bad with the good …
9. European meet promoters … the only people outside of the Olympics that are able to get the best together with any semblance of regularity …
10. The Class of ’68 … Jim Hines, Charlie Greene, Lennox Miller, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Lee Evans, Larry James, Ron Freeman … 9.95, 10.04, 10.07, 19.83, 19.92, 43.86, 43.97, 44.41, 38.21, 2:56.16 !!!! They broke the barriers and laid the ground for what we have been enjoying all these years !!!!
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Conway
Speed Thrills

[Dan]

Very nice list.

Those '68 times would have looked pretty good this year...

Remember earlier in Allen Johnson's career where every televised race he was in began with the explanation of how he always looks for something to get angry about before the race? I don't know if they finally realized it was getting old or if it eventually dawned on him that he's just a plain ol' nice guy with no rough edge to hype up, but he's a guy who has my utmost respect for his accomplishments and the way he's conducted himself over the years.

Dan
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[Micah Ward]

Allen Johnson is without a doubt the premier gentleman of track and field.

And a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May your turkey's be plentiful!
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