Opposition to Jamaican Olympians Getting Cash Gifts – Bad Mind?

London 2012 Olympic medals made by The Royal Mint, Llantrisant / Medalau Llundain 2012 wedi’u cynhyrchu gan y Bathdy Brenhinol, Llantrisant (Photo credit: Welsh Government / Llywodraeth Cymru)

I am really hoping that it is just a few, disgruntled Jamaicans who are upset that the Government of Jamaica has decided to award cash gifts to our Olympians and Paralympians.

Each individual gold medalist will receive $1m (per gold medal), silver medalists – $750,000, bronze medalists – $500,000, relay gold is worth $600,000, relay silver – $400,000, relay bronze – $360,000, and finalists will receive $350,000.  Other participants and support staff will also receive cash gifts.

I support this move 100%. I wish we could give more. But here’s what some of the critics are saying.

 

We have other things we should be spending money on.

Sure, we will always have other things to spend money on. Should we instead be spending the money on education? Sanitation? Cleaning gullies and drains? I guess it comes down to how much value you attach to the athletes’ performance. I attach tremendous importance to education. Put simplistically, it uplifts people and improves their chance of a better quality of life. But I can’t even begin to value the euphoric feeling I – AND MOST OF YOU- received from our athletes’ performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the World Championships in Berlin and Daegu and the 2012 London Olympics.

It was a feeling that finally, after being beaten down  and depressed for years because of our corruption, political

london 2012 olympics – mens 200m final (crowd) (Photo credit: jon smith.)

violence, lack-lustre economy, and crime, crime, crime, we had a reason to hold our heads high. We could wear our national colours, the black, green and gold, and proclaim that we were proud to be Jamaicans! Sure there are other bright spots, but very few like the last two Olympics.

Personally, I always receive a jolt of personal inspiration in watching our athletes perform and excel. I can’t value any of that, but heck, a couple hundred thousand Jamaican dollars is at least a start. And just a reminder here – many of these athletes operate for much of the year outside Jamaica. A million Jamaican dollars (the highest incentive) is just a little more than US$11,000.

Some people point to the value of the free tourism exposure Jamaica received all over the world. But even if not even one additional tourist visited Jamaica as a result of the Olympics and Paralympics, I would still say the money is well deserved.

They are competing for themselves

This is almost too nonsensical to comment on. Sure, they benefit personally, but they could benefit running for any country. We have athletes who would be able to jump ship at the drop of a hat. They stay with Jamaica out of love and patriotism. At the end of a race, what do they reach for first? Jamaica’s national flag. What is played when they are on that podium? Jamaica’s national anthem. What do the commentators say when they take the track? “The Jamaicans!” What do English, Japanese and other nationalities do to show their support? Wear Jamaican colours. Nuff said.

We ought to give them houses and land instead?

I disagree with this. I just think money is a lot more neutral and more useful. Property can be a hassle, and you then you have to try to ascertain what is a suitable location, and a suitable house. Do they all get houses or land in the same location? Who says they want land? Does an athlete living overseas want property in Jamaica? Maybe or maybe not. But why bother? Everybody can use money.

Usain Bolt after his victory and world record in the 100m at the bird’s nest, during 2008 Beijing olympics, august 16th (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bolt/Asafa/Shell-Ann/Veronica are rich enough – we don’t need to give them anything

Are you kidding me? Wow, that’s a great message to send. “You’re doing so well, we’ll just ignore you when we’re handing out incentives for doing well.” Folks, that is called reverse discrimination. It would be guaranteed to engender resentment and is a non-starter. Forget that.

Are we going to give all our other athletes cash gifts as well?

I certainly think we should maintain this for any athlete excelling at the highest levels of international competition although the exact sums to be given out would probably vary. I think it is a great incentive for athletes, many of whom struggle to remain in competition and have tremendous financial difficulties. If we are serious about developing sports why not show it by tangible, financial contributions to our athletes?

Why should we give them anything at all?

This is where I would ask my fellow Jamaicans to bury the mean-spiritedness and pettiness, please. Let me remind the people who have clearly forgotten, as I said before, many athletes struggle to remain in international competition once they leave college. Many give up. Those who have the grit, the core strength, the resilience and determination to keep going are among a tiny cadre of elite athletes. See my interview with Olympian Jason Morgan here.  Lack of sponsorship and expensive training gear are just some of the things that they have to deal with. Yes, many get SOME financial assistance, but they will tell you that it is hardly ever enough to cover costs. One bad injury can end a season, and perhaps a career. Medical costs are ridiculous.

But you know how I would sum up why I think these cash gifts are well-deserved? They are one small way of saying THANK YOU from a grateful nation.

London 2012: Athletics (Photo credit: Daniel Coomber)

Yohan Blake’s Nails and Poses, Gabby Douglas’s Hair, and Why We Care

 

English: Yohan Blake during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Double Olympic silver medalist Yohan Blake has used his Facebook page to address people who have been criticizing his long nails, nails that the British tabloid The Daily Mail referred to as “freakishly long.”

Blake, with the somewhat petulant tone we’ve been hearing from athletes finding themselves burnt by the social media space they thought they owned, states that he is addressing the explanation to his “true fans.”

“ …my nails grow VERY fast for some reason. Almost as fast as I can run! Many years ago, long before this beast nickname came about, so long ago that I can’t even remember when or why, I got it into my head that if I cut them during competition I won’t run well. It is my superstition. There are many things we athletes do to alleviate the huge pressures
that come with competing. Some of them just don’t make any sense. But we do them anyway! This is what I do. Soon after competition I cut them and look pretty “normal” again.

I know who I am. I know what my values are. And I know how proud I feel to have represented my country at the highest level and to the best of my ability. I am who I think I am. I am not who other people think I am supposed to be.

So I would like to thank my true fans and sponsors for accepting me for who I am and I will continue to do my best for you.”

Although he didn’t address it there, Blake is also being criticized by some for his cartoonish “beast” poses, when he claws at the air and grimaces, that he clearly thinks enhance the Beast nickname he was given because of the ferocity with which he approaches training. There are many Jamaicans who think the poses look silly and that Blake would be better off dropping them, along with cutting his nails.

There are some similarities with the criticisms of the gold medal winning African American gymnast Gabby Douglas, by fellow black African Americans who thought her hair didn’t look good, and say she needs to realize that she is “reppng” for all black women on the international stage.

Douglas was bewildered, asking, reasonably, why people were focused on her hair when she had just made history. Her mother later explained the tremendous stresses that training puts on black hair, and said they had tried several strategies to deal with it. Douglas is now sporting a glamourous new hairstyle, which is inevitably attracting more press.

So why do we care? And does commenting on Blake’s nails or Douglas’s hair make people any less “true fans’?

Douglas’s issue is wrapped up in the complicated relationship black women have with their hair, if we are honest. We haven’t gotten over the hair thing. But she is a little removed from us.  It’s easier to look at the Douglas story and shake our heads at the critics’ pettiness.

Blake, now, he’s close to home. He belongs to us. Are we who criticize him also being petty?

Let’s be honest. Many Jamaicans have long felt that there hasn’t been enough attention to grooming our athletes for the international spotlight, to ensure that they shine off track, as well as on. Some of what you’re seeing is  a reflection of that. Is Blake making a fool of himself? Will he become an object of international ridicule?  Is he representing himself, and yes, Jamaica in the best possible light? There are genuine concerns about that, and expressing them, Mr.  Blake, doesn’t necessarily mean that the Jamaicans who do so do not fully appreciate your tremendous talent and achievements on the track.

Of course, there is another element. There have always been, and will always be, petty, spiteful people who make mean-spirited comments about anyone in the public spotlight. Social media has now given these people a direct line to the athletes or anyone else they want to “dis.”

Yohan Blake et al. need to learn to differentiate between well-intentioned criticism, whether you agree with it or not, and spiteful, snide comments, which our mothers used to tell us, quite rightly, to ignore.

The criticisms, for instance, of Yohan Blake’s and Usain Bolt’s behavior during the national anthem while on the medal podium at the World Championships last year was the kind of criticism that they should have, and clearly did, take on board. Bear in mind that even then, there was a set of people telling critics to “leave de yute dem alone” and suggesting that people who had achieved at that level should not be criticized for such behavior. That’s rubbish,  and “true fans” like that are the ones Blake should be ignoring.

He might also want to think carefully about his antics in front of the international press. Sure, Usain’s

Sprinting legend Usain Bolt pictured in Brunel University’s indoor athletics Centre. Usain used Brunel as a European training base prior to the 2009 Berlin Athletics World Championships. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

antics are celebrated by all the world, and people everywhere are doing the Bolt pose. Will they follow suit with Blake? They might. But they might not. He needs to remember how fickle the international press can be, and carefully consider the persona he wants the public, and potential sponsors, to see. There may be a thin line between playful, which is how Bolt is generally seen, and ridiculous.

My opinion? I can see Blake putting out a line of Beast tee-shirts etc with all the Beast grimaces, and I can see them taking off. I wouldn’t buy them, but they wouldn’t be aimed at me. I don’t like the fingernails, and to those who say they never noticed them, that’s a little ridiculous when he brandishes them in front of his face during photo shoots. You can’t escape them. But I don’t argue with people’s superstitions. If he says that’s what he needs to do when he is in competition, I have nothing more to say. After all, I have superstitions of my own. And although I don’t like them, I can shrug and move on.

His poses etc.also look a little silly to me, but I don’t really care, and again, I’m not the demographic he’s aiming for. His comments to reporters about coming from Mars also sound juvenile. Having said all that, he is a grown man and has a management team. As a Jamaican, I mainly ask that he shows respect for the national symbols and understands time and place, and what behavior is appropriate when.

From a business point of view, I would hope that Blake and his management team are seriously assessing the public reaction to his image and comments, and making sure they are working for him. After all, that’s how you build a brand.

 

 

 

Book Review: Black Meteors – the Caribbean in International Track and Field

Verdict: Excellent read

If the performances of gold medalists Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser of Jamaica, Kirani James of

English: Shelly-Ann Fraser and Kerron Stewart at the World Championship Athletics 2009 in Berlin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grenada and Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago in the London Olympics excited your interest in Caribbean athletics, or if you have been a long-time fan, you really should check out Black Meteors – The Caribbean in International Track and Field.

Black Meteors is published by Ian Randle Publishers, and written by Basil Ince, a former athlete and administrator, diplomat and academic, who marries his interests in this thoroughly attractive and engaging book about Caribbean sportsmen and women.

The layout and format of the book are excellent, with easy-to-read text, and a large number of photographs of athletes ranging from the pioneers like Lennox Miller and Arthur Wint of Jamaica, to more recent athletes such as Ato Boldon of Trinidad and Tobago and Javier Sotomayor of Cuba, and current stars like Yohan Blake and superstar sprinter Usain Bolt of Jamaica, among many, many more.

English: Kirani James during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And therein lies one of the biggest and most welcome differences between this book and many others. The author states that:

“throughout the book the word Caribbean refers to all Caribbean peoples, English speaking and non-English speaking.”

Ince approaches that issue of what is a “Caribbean” athlete in an entirely natural way, that makes not just geographical sense, given the breadth of talent displayed throughout the region, but also allows the author to introduce readers to some athletes who may not as well known to them as others.

The other important aspect of Ince’s approach to the book was the effortless story-telling which brings to life, not just the athletes and their successes, but the socio-political backdrop to their sporting careers.

One example is his discussion of the evolution of women’s participation in the Olympics, from the days when women were not allowed to participate at all, to the performances of the great Merlene Ottey of Jamaica (who is still competing at over 50 years old) and Deon Hemmings, the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic gold in 1996.

Another example is the exploration of the impact of the Cuban revolution on the performance of Cuban athletes, which laid the groundwork for athletes like Alberto Juantorena, winner of the 800 m and 400m  gold medals in Montreal, and the struggles of the track and field programme given the US economic embargo of the

World Athletics Championships 2007 in Osaka – Alberto Juantorena (right), gold medal winner over 400 and 800 metres at the 1976 Olympics, while assisting at a victory ceremony at the 2007 world championships (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

island.

But Ince also spends time discussing current issues and athletes, including Jamaica’s success in Beijing.

If you have any interest at all in track and field, this will be an excellent addition to your library.

Highly Recommended

Forget Politics and Crime – It’s Olympics Time in Jamaica!

The Olympic Flame during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics, held in Athens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I remember vividly where I was when Danny McFarlane won his silver medal in the 400 m hurdles in the 2004 Olympics – inside the bookshop at the University of the West Indies, where everybody in the store gathered around the mounted TV cheering ourselves silly as Danny did that little awkward looking hop over the hurdles, one by one, until he dashed across the finish line in second place.

The reason I remember so clearly is that we were there with an American, who while indulgent, was clearly a little bemused at this show of national solidarity for a single athlete.

It was the same thing when we watched Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz playing Japan in the 1998 World Cup.

English: Logo of the Jamaica Football Federation and its representative teams. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I work in a newsroom and cannot remember a time before or since when the phone stayed silent for over an hour.

But that’s what it means to be Jamaican. One athlete can inspire such pride that we start a local newscast declaring that this is “Deon Hemmings Day”, as CVM did after Hemmings became the first Jamaican woman ever to win Olympic gold in 1996.

Although I am a little concerned about the over-hyped expectations for these Games as I said in my post here, the truth is that sports at this level brings out the best in us.

For the next two and a half weeks everything will recede in importance, the usual troika of issues making the newscasts – crime, the economy and politics – all that will fade into insignificance as we stay glued to the TV and discuss the merits and demerits of the various athletes participating.

Even in the sports in which we are not traditionally strong, we’ll be glued to the TVs, watching the sheer beauty and strength of those who have trained for years to have their moment in the sun.

We’ll go around wearing our national colours, and smiling at strangers  -unusual in urbanised Kingston!

It’s hard for a citizen of a large developed country like the US to understand the immense pride we feel when we see little Jamaica up there with the best in the world. As Miss Lou would say “we heart swell big.”

Jamaican Flag
Photo from Wikimedia Commons

It shows us that we can be world class, that despite the disastrous failures we have had in some areas, our lackluster economy, the distressing crime levels, the havoc our politicians have wreaked over the years, that we are still the stuff of which excellence is made. Simply put, our athletes give us hope, and inspire us to achieve in our own lives. For that, I thank them.

Big up Team Jamaica.

 

 

Related articles

• The Jamaican Olympic Team Outfits – “Ugly – Horrible” (newsandviewsbydjmillerja.wordpress.com)
• Jamaica and the London 2012 Olympics – Want to Help Our Athletes? Back Off! (newsandviewsbydjmillerja.wordpress.com)

Jamaica and the London 2012 Olympics – Want to Help Our Athletes? Back Off!

London 2012 banner at The Monument. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Olympic fever is now at a level never before seen in Jamaica.

That’s great and how it should be. The Olympics Games are, as far as I’m concerned, the greatest show on earth (sorry, football fans!)

The problem I am having, though, is the unrealistic expectations. It is understandable on one level. After all, our athletes gave Jamaica’s best ever performance at the Beijing Olympics, at a level that electrified the world –led by the wonderful, colourful, charismatic record breaker Usain Bolt.

Usain Bolt in celebration about 1 or 2 seconds after his 100m victory at Beijing Olympics 2008, breaking the world record. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then came the World Championships in Berlin and Daegu, and we cemented our place on the world stage – and painted targets on our backs. The loud-mouthed American Justin Gatlin has been talking about taking down the Jamaicans.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/25/oly-us-athl-atm-idUSL3E8HP1C520120625

Justin Gatlin in Helsinki, 10th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, after he won 100 Metres. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It’s all part of the hype and the trash talking that goes along with most sports. If we’re honest, it’s part of the fun.

Unrealistic Expectations

But all the media hype about gold gold gold is having a more dangerous effect. It’s raising expectations, which were probably unrealistic to begin with. All that talk of gold is making us think nothing else is worth cheering for.

I watched to my shock, Jamaicans in Half Way Tree watching races at the World Championships, walk off without making a comment or cracking a smile if Jamaicans didn’t stop the clock in first place. Only gold is worth cheering for apparently. It’s not a new attitude, though I think it’s getting worse. I remember being perplexed some years ago to hear a radio announcer grudgingly congratulate a relay team although they “only” got a bronze.

We are a country of 2.5 million or thereabouts, with a PHENOMENAL record of achievement.

We have won over 50 Olympic medals so far, almost all in track and field (special big up to David Weller – Olympic bronze in  cycling, Moscow, 1980).

I checked the medal table for the Beijing Olympics.

Gold Medal Jamaican Men’s Relay Team (Photo credit: Reese the Law Girl)

Jamaica came in 14^th IN ALL with our 11 medals, six of which were gold. The nations that placed higher? Largely economic powerhouses and developed countries  - China, USA, Russia, Great Britain and N. Ireland, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Kenya.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/2012/medals/historical-medals-beijing-2008/countries

But that doesn’t mean that we will always do that well, either in terms of total medals or in their colours. The London 2012 Olympics will see 205 countries sending over 10,000 athletes to participate in 26 sports, with 39 disciplines, and 300 events.

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Publications/StategiesPolicy/01/24/75/49/FactpackMay2012_Neutral.pdf?t=1336753281382

Elite Sports

Do the math. How many athletes will actually be able to make the finals of their events, and then medal on top of that? This is elite sports at its best. Which is why we need to temper our expectations. Cheer on our athletes, of course!

But this ridiculous Jamaican attitude many of us have that only gold medals count has got to change.  For any athlete, making an Olympic team means you’re among the best in the world. We need to recognize that and applaud all those who are in London wearing our black, gold and green, whether they make the finals or not, whether they medal or not.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/olympics/news/Remember-our-competitors-in-field-and-other-events-

And as we wait impatiently for the track and field to begin , let’s not forget to cheer on our athletes also representing Jamaica with much less hype and fanfare – Samantha Albert in equestrian

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/18/oly-eque-jam-albert-adv-idUSB86373020120718

Kenneth Edwards in taekwondo

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111210/sports/sports3.html

and Alia Atkinson in swimming.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sports/Atkinson-makes-Olympic-qualifying-time_11622971

Then we need to give an extra loud cheer to anyone who makes it to the finals of their events. Stop for a moment. These are the best of the best, now competing among themselves. To actually get a medal? That’s a dream come true.

What does a bronze medal mean? That you are third best in the world! Silver – second in the world! Cause for celebration indeed!

To say it takes hard work and determination to even make it to the Olympics sounds too inadequate to describe what all these athletes have gone through. National record holder in the discus thrower Jason Morgan, spoke to me about that, and you can read my post on him here.

English: Olympic medals revealed in Trafalgar Square, London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Back Off!

Unrealistic expectations only burden people, and that includes athletes. So want to help them? Back off  with the constant calls for gold, which, with the best will in the world, they may not be able to deliver.

Of course we all want to see our athletes win as many gold medals as possible.  We want them to perform at their best and fulfil their potential. We’ll be disappointed if realistic hopes and expectations are not fulfilled. But that’s the key word. Realistic. All I’m asking  is that we be realistic and temper our expectations.

The Jamaican Olympic Team Outfits – “Ugly – Horrible”

Cedella Marley, junto a Usain Bolt, presentó la vestimenta PUMA de Jamaica (Photo credit: sitemarca)

The comments in the title are  not mine, they are two of the hundreds that have been made about the Jamaican Olympic outfits in the past few days.

I’m wading into dangerous waters here, not being a fashionista! Not even close. So let me hasten to say this is more about the reactions to the designs done by Cedella Marley (yes, Bob’s daughter) for the Jamaican Olympic team, than the designs themselves.

I can’t remember there EVER being this kind of reaction to an Olympic outfit. In fact, I was hard pressed to remember what any Olympic outfit has ever looked like, until an Olympian posted that she liked these a lot better than the yellow blazers they always used to wear at the opening ceremonies (very hazy picture in my mind now of said yellow blazers)

There has been an outpouring of negative reaction to the photo of track star Usain Bolt in a pair of yellow trousers, trimmed with black, coupled with a green top also trimmed with black, as he stands beside a female model in a print skirt with indecipherable yellow designs (leaves? crayfish?) on a black background, and a black top with  green trimmings. Hey, don’t knock my descriptions! I told you I’m not a fashionista. Let me just show you the picture.

The comments have been overwhelmingly negative. Here’s a tiny, tiny sample.

“Future style! Think Star Trek! Come on folks, going where no country has gone before!”

“Looking too futuristic. Does not reflect Jamaica. Not saying I hate it, but I don’t like it, especially for Jamaica 50.”

“It makes Usain look like an overgrown schoolboy from Mars, accompanied by a female prison warder from Pluto.”

‘Mi nuh like it! I really don’t think it truly represents the vibrant spirit and unique persona of the Jamaican team. It really appears to be a space age police uniform”

Some people do like them, saying they are “fashion forward” and in line with the current “colour blocking craze” and  ”military style” (comments from conversations I’ve had with fans of the outfits who say that the critcs just don’t know style. Maybe they’re right.

After all, the fashion folks at the Huffington Post loved them, raving about the “fabulous new uniforms designed by Cedella Marley” and unequivocally stating that:

“…while the sleek uniforms were created with optimal performance and comfort in mind, they are super stylish to boot. We’re loving the flashy prints, flattering silhouettes and saturated Jamaican flag colors represented in every piece.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/cedella-marley-jamaica-olympic-uniforms_n_1597152.html

By the way, that story also has a slide show of the entire collection, so you may want to check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.

And some Jamaicans like them as well. There are also comments like this, albeit much fewer:

“You know what, they are cute, picture them walking in with our flag at the opening ceremony, we will stand out!”

But why do we care?

Well, in case people haven’t noticed, Jamaicans have become fiercely interested in our track and field athletes in particular, since the super success of the past decade. Many more Jamaicans are now following track and field, debating Asafa’s performance as I said in my post here, following Usain’s personal life as I commented on here, and feel tremendously buoyed by our successes on the international scene.

This is to be welcomed, of course. It’s good for the sport, it’s good for the country, and it’s (usually) good for the athletes. I can remember thinking in years gone by that I would like to see athletes endorsing products instead of models. Now we see images of our athletes everywhere.

But you can’t have it both ways. That level of interest will apply to everything related to track and field. That includes uniforms the fashionistas say are cutting edge, but many Jamaicans just see as ugly. I know we are also sending athletes to the Olympics in taekwondo, the  equestrian events, and swimming, but I doubt there would have been this much interest over what our equestrian athlete was going to wear (no offence!)

And we’re an outspoken people. If we don’t like it, we’re going to say things like:

“I think these are the worst designs of all time. These nuh mek it at all.”

Would it be better if we all decided to throw our weight behind the designs, like them or not? I don’t think so. Chalk it up to my profession, but I’m big on freedom of speech and spirited debate.  If we don’t let it be known when we think things aren’t being done right, there won’t be any change next time.

I’ve heard people asking what the athletes think. I haven’t heard yet, but you know what? Even if all the athletes came out en masse and said they love the designs, this is not just about them. They are there representing Jamaica. This may be a little uncomfortable for Ms. Marley and the folks at Puma, but it’s our national team, We have a right to voice our opinion. And we certainly are doing so!

So what do you think? Do you like the designs?

Related articles

• Usain Bolt unveils Jamaica’s Olympics kit designed by Bob Marley’s daughter (guardian.co.uk)
• Puma pins Olympic hopes on Bolt to speed sport sales (telegraph.co.uk)

Jamaica’s National Record Holder (Discus) Jason Morgan – “It’s lonely, frustrating, and also motivating”

Following is a lightly edited transcript of my interview with Jason Morgan, Jamaica’s national record holder in the discus throw, which aired on May 30, 2012 on RJR 94 FM. Morgan has twice broken the national record in the past few months with his most recent throw being 67.15 metres on May 12th, and has achieved the Olympic A qualifying standard.

Photo from www.jasonmorganonline.com

DJM: What accounts for your improved performance so far this year?

JM: This year, I think I am more focused, I’ve lost some weight, I’ve worked on my flexibility, and also just the aim of being the Jamaican discus thrower in the finals, at the Olympic Games.

DJM: That’s what been pushing you?

JM: That’s what been pushing me.

DJM: Tell us a little bit about your training regime.

JM: I can proudly confirm and stand tall to say I coach myself. I work a fulltime job, I work from 7 – 4.15 every day Monday to Friday, and as soon as I get off work I go to practice.

When I see strangers just walking on the track, I will just stop somebody and ask them to record me doing two or three throws and when I go home I try to study that video… pick out the mistakes, pick out the positive things, and work on the next thing the next day. If I see another stranger walking I would just ask them to do the same thing and keep on repeating that ’til my technique (is) sharp.

It’s been a struggle, it’s been a lot of challenges along the way, but I have this aim, I have this focus. I’ve been breaking down some barriers and doing some positive things for myself, and for people who look up to me and also for my country.

DJM: Let me go back to you coaching yourself – tell me how come.

JM: I graduated from Louisiana Tech University , the coach who is there, I know he’s got his university athletes to coach, and I know he has to spend time with them. It’s not enough time for me, so it just means falling back on my experience, my drive and willpower, my determination to do it myself…

DJM: It sounds lonely, is it?

JM: Yes, it is lonely, it’s frustrating and it’s also motivating. The frustration part comes in where I don’t think my country, I wouldn’t say my country, but my athletic association, I don’t think they do enough to keep me encouraged.

I’m the best discus thrower over the years, I’m not bragging, I’m not boasting, but just being thankful and humble for that. I reach out for a lot of help, asking for just a little assistance, I’m not trying to be rich from Jamaica, but just a little assistance would be really good, and it would make me feel wanted and appreciated,

DJM: What would you need to help you to continue, to do better?

Modern copy of Myron’s Discobolus in University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, Denmark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

JM: What would really help me is just a little financial assistance to take care of my travelling, accommodation. I have to take care of my discus and buy my own throwing shoes. I don’t have a sponsor, I don’t have a shoe contract, everything comes out of my pocket for gear, shoes. Every year I say I’m going to use faith to keep going, I’m going to show determination to say ok, someone can help me, someone can reach out, somebody can see what I’m doing, and just be compassionate in some way, but it’s been really hard, it’s been really challenging.

I’m going to be the first Jamaican to represent my country well in the Games (in discus), I’ve been to two World Championships, the first and only Jamaican to ever do that, it’s balancing on both sides – to continue and to stop. I’m still weighing my options to see whether I’m going to continue after this year, whether I win the Olympics or not, because sometimes just a little motivation, a little help somewhere, can make a big difference,

DJM: For the next couple of weeks leading up to the Olympics, tell me what your schedule is going to be.

JM: I’m going to the New York Grand Prix on June 9^th, and then there’s another meet in Houston …but I’m not sure about going to that because financially I don’t have that, to go there to compete, so after the 9^th, I’ll probably just sit back and work hard and get ready for the Jamaican trials.

It would be really good if I can get some help because I’m going to be missing some days from work, and I still have kids and family to take care of, and I don’t get paid while I leave to represent my country, I also don’t get paid when I leave to go to meets, so I’m competing and worrying about all that stuff, it’s so much pressure, (and I’m) trying to take that pressure out on the discus, I guess that’s why I’m doing so well this year, ‘cause I’ve been showing a lot of aggression in my throws.

DJM: You’re channeling all that into the throws?

JM: I’m trying, probably I need to (channel) a whole lot more when I get to London.

DJM: We know the track events, especially the sprint events are the glamour events that get the most attention, does that frustrate you?

So-called “Lancelotti Discobolus”. Marble, Roman artwork, ca. 140 CE. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

JM: I don’t think it frustrates me anymore. Over the years, to be honest it frustrated me. I’ll go to some meet, the World Championships or whatever and sometimes I’m the only discus thrower there, everybody is a runner, jumper, whatever, I’ll look around and (think) ‘This feels really good, to say I am Jamaica’s best thrower standing right here representing really well, but my focus is just on me, and doing the best I can, while inspiring others to achieve, in spite of the challenges or struggles they go through.

DJM: A couple weeks ago I spoke with Julian Robinson, the Calabar (High School) throwing coach and (track and field commentator) Hubert Lawrence, one of the things they said is that after most people leave college and those athletic scholarships are up, most people just quit at that point. What’s been allowing you to keep going?

JM: There are challenges in every area, in everybody’s life. My thing that keeps me going is that all  great achievements require time…also just to be able to do something that nobody has ever done before.

I know everybody’s going to jump and say yes, they knew he could do it, he’s strong and everything, but there are days when I’m crying. I’m a big man, 6’3”, 288 pounds, and I’m not afraid to say I cry through frustration, I’m not afraid to say I cry through victory, but I just want to keep breaking down barriers, and let it be known that staying positive and having great faith, working hard, can achieve a whole lot.

DJM: How do you assess the competition this year?

JM: I look at that field as, they’re just human like me. They may have some support and they may have two, three, different coaches, but at the end of the day, it’s what you bring on that day. I don’t have (anything) to lose, I don’t have (any) pressure to do (anything), I’m actually doing this because I really love it, and I’m doing this because I know there are a few positive people in my corner that really want me to do well.

So those guys, they know I’m coming, they know I’m on the way. Last year they looked at me at the World Championships, I finished 17^th in the world, and they took top 12 to the finals so I was really close. I think that’s why I’m motivated to just make a difference, and (to) say on that day I’m going to be on the podium, that’s the aim.

DJM: Do you think you’re on track to achieve that?

JM: For sure. I’m just waiting to get some of the distance I get in practice. It’s a good thing I (got) that 67.15(metres), broke the national record, I know 70 metres can turn some heads and shock some people and open some eyes, so I am waiting for that to happen at an official meet.

DJM: I know Maurice Smith, the decathlete, introduced you (to discus) but what kept you with it?

JM: I was a sprinter at Calabar, I was a jumper, a triple jumper, but Maurice Smith encouraged me to do this and (I’m giving a) shout out to Mr. Noel White, because a lot of days they (told) me “Come on, you can do this.”

In 1999 I was a gold medalist in the medley relay, and I went to work one summer and gained about 40 pounds and (came) back to training and couldn’t get it off. Maurice was the one who pushed me and said, “Come on, you can be a thrower,” and I’d be like “No, nobody really looks at the throwers.”

It really motivated me to see how someone can really push you to do something and then I (found) …my own motivation and just (kept) going from then.

DJM: Any regrets?

JM: No regrets. I’m not sure if I would do it all over again, but I feel good about what I’ve achieved, and also feel good about when I’ve been through and still (am) going through to be where I’m at. I’m just thankful, this is just the grace of God that’s brought me to where I’m at today. I’m feeling good and I’m feeling positive.

DJM: What would you say to the Prime Minister who has the sports portfolio?

JM: I would say please, please, I need just a little help, a little recognition, to do some damage. I’m not going to say I’m going to be the Usain Bolt of track and field but I am going to be the Jason Dadz Morgan of the throws, so please do what you can. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated.

You can get more information about Jason Morgan at his website, www.jasonmorganonline.com.

Here We Go Again – Usain Bolt and His Girlfriend

Usain Bolt after his victory and world record in the 100m at the bird’s nest, during 2008 Beijing olympics, august 16th (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yep, here we go again.

Usain Bolt has a white girlfriend!

Usain Bolt breaks up with his girlfriend!

Here goes another media feeding frenzy over something that is none of our business and totally unimportant. And just as was being said when I wrote my post about Yendi, the media are being asked why they won’t go off and solve crime, fix the economy, and prevent the sexual abuse of children.

Well, here’s the thing. First of all, check any newspaper. Listen to any newscast or talk show. There are actually scores of articles and issues discussed and covered every week. Sure, some of them are about people like Usain Bolt and his girlfriend, Kartel’s escapades, Kim Kardashian or (personal shudder) Justin Bieber, but there are also tons of stories on the economy, Parliament, crime and certainly right now, the sexual abuse of children.

We can talk about more than one thing at a time. We certainly have the column inches, the internet space and the hours of talk time.

“Why aren’t we talking about important issues?” goes the disparaging remark.

“We need to fix the serious problems in the country!”

I always wonder if people making these comments really think that the technocrats in the Finance Ministry have halted work on the budget, the police have stopped fighting crime, and social workers have put helping abused kids on hold while they enjoy the latest gossip about Usain. Or Asafa. And I’m sure your turn is coming soon, Yohan.  The problems of the country are being grappled with folks, even if we devote a bit of media space to whichever superstar people are following these days.

I always wonder how many of the critics making comments like that actually read the long (sometimes way too long) analytical articles in the Sunday papers, the detailed pieces in the business sections, or watch the coverage of Parliament (outside of the cass-cass). Hmmm. Anyway.

So, let’s forget the nonsense about the media needing to focus on important things. Serious news organisations do. All the time. BUT NOT ALL MEDIA HOUSES HAVE SERIOUS NEWSROOMS. So if you’re expecting that all media outlets will focus on the same crime/politics/economy/etc issues, you are really out of touch. And if you expect serious news organisations to ignore stories that millions of people are interested in, you’re not being realistic.

The other issue, then, is, should people be so concerned about something that is none of their business? Surely all that his fans should be concerned about is the time he ran in his latest race!

Usain Bolt winning the 100 m final 2008 Olympics. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Who cares if Usain Bolt wants to date or dump a white, black or purple woman? Well, rightly or wrongly, hundreds of thousands (millions?) do.

People tend to decide for themselves what they are and are not interested in, and we can cover Parliament, the Estimates of Expenditure and the Caribbean Court of Justice til the super moon passes by again, that won’t stop people being interested in Bolt.  And it’s because hundreds of thousands (millions?) of people across the world do care about Usain Bolt’s love life that it’s a story. As one journalist said to me

“He’s a superstar and it’s an Olympic year.” Duh!

Bolt’s Facebook page has over 6.6 MILLION likes.

usain bolt – victory lap (Photo credit: hannahspanna)

I wrote a post on news in the age of social media. Yea, social media matters. Do you really think it’s possible to have that many fans that connected to you, reading your every tweet and clicking on your latest post, without them feeling invested in your life, and yes, who you’re dating?

Since I first  posted this, a FB friend Irwine Clare commented:

“Why not? Brand Usain Bolt, it goes with the territory. $$$$$$ more”

That is an important point.  Stars deliberately build their platforms to help convert fans into consumers (of branded clothes, restaurants, books, whatever). That process contributes to the deep interest in their activities and lives.

So maybe you’d prefer to watch Parliamentarians debate the Estimates of Expenditure. That’s great. But I think you should accept that Usain’s girlfriends are going to be big news as long as he is a superstar. If you don’t like it, do what I do when I’m confronted by Bieber fever. Turn the page. Change the station. Click away. In other words, move on.

Jamaica’s Love/Hate Relationship with Asafa Powell

Asafa Powell (Photo credit: aktivioslo)

Ok, hate is stretching it. But listen to any group of Jamaicans argue about Asafa Powell and a wide range of emotions emerges. Support – unwavering and constant (or not!), exasperation and frustration  are among the most common. Even dedicated Asafa fans sometimes waver in their steadfastness. But what is it about this undeniably phenomenal athlete that stirs such intense emotions? Here are a couple of suggestions.

1. Unrealised Potential - this former world record holder has never won a major title except at the Commonwealth Games.  We know he’s one of our greats, one of the world’s greats. He’s proven it by breaking the world record. Twice. How many athletes can say that? So it would just be the icing on the cake for him to be standing on that top podium as the Jamaican anthem plays and the black, green and gold ascends above the rest.  And that’s the prize that has eluded him. We want it for him, for ourselves and for Jamaica. So fans are frustrated that he hasn’t managed to get there.

World record icon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. That mental element - we’re used to ultra-confident 100m champions. The chest-beating of Usain Bolt,  the cockiness of Carl Lewis or even the quiet determination of Tyson Gay. THAT  type of champion. So fans have never quite known how to read Asafa. When the BBC quoted Asafa as saying after that 2007 World Championship race in which he ran third to Tyson Gay and Derrick Atkins, that “When Tyson came on and gave me a little bit of pressure I just panicked.  When I saw I wasn’t in gold medal contention, I gave up in the middle of the race. I just stopped running,” fans said “huh”?

He has, however, said that most of his problems have been physical, not mental.

World Athletics Championships 2007 in Osaka – World Record Holder Asafa Powell running away from Keston Bledman (left) and Florin Suciu (middle) during the first round heat in the men’s 100 meters. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. Giving Up - As a result of his admitted missed opportunities, and comments like the one he made in 2009, everybody has been speculating about Asafa not having the mental toughness to finish the race. This, although he ran a hard race to pick up the bronze at the 2009 World Champs. Even if he has now acquired the mental toughness he admitted to lacking in 2007, many fans seem to have lost faith.

4. The Money - let’s put it out there. Some fans seem offended by the fact that Asafa obviously puts emphasis on professional races where he gets paid. Seriously? The man is a pro athlete. That’s what he does for a living. If he ends up broke with people passing a hat for him, the most he’ll be getting from a lot of people is expressions of pity and shock. The money issue is a red herring. All the pro athletes are running for money. Why is Asafa getting so much flak for it?

5. Pulling Out  - Most recently, Asafa pulled out of the Jamaica Invitational, citing soreness in the groin, but announcing that he would be running in Doha at the start of the Diamond League. Last year, after talking up a storm all season he pulled out of the 100m at the World Championships, again citing injury. Although it makes sense that an athlete and his coaches would be thinking long term, and not wanting to risk possibly serious injury especially given Asafa’s history of injury,  again, fans seem to have lost faith.

Asafa has taken notice. He was quoted last year by the Daily Mail as saying that:

“Athletics can be a very ungrateful sport. All the negative talk about me, questioning my mental strength and asking if I can ever beat those guys again when it matters, well that’s just given me motivation to prove a lot of people wrong, and to prove to myself that I still have it.”

Asafa Powell after his 9.72 win and track record at the 2010 Bislett Games. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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As we draw nearer to the London 2012 Olympics, we’re all closely watching our elite athletes and hoping for the best for them all. Are fans expecting even more from Asafa this year, or have they given up?

Tell me what you think. Are we too hard on Asafa?  Or do you think he’s let his fans down?

Related articles

• Asafa Powell’s in a hurry to shake off fear factor at Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham (telegraph.co.uk)
• London 2012 Olympics: training partner Asafa Powell praises the work ethic of Britain’s Dwain Chambers (telegraph.co.uk)
• Bolt, Powell to race in 100 meters in Oslo (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Confession – I Don’t Like the 100m!

 

Usain Bolt in celebration about 1 or 2 seconds after his 100m victory at Beijing Olympics 2008, breaking the world record. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Yea, yea I know. Sacrilege. A Jamaican, at a time when Jamaica holds a fistful of 100m world titles, saying she doesn’t like the 100m. But, emm, I don’t. Here’s why.

 

It’s over too fast! Uh, duh. It’s supposed to be over fast! I know, I know! The thing is, how can you enjoy a race that is over in 10 seconds? If you lean down to pick up the remote you might miss it!

 

Give me instead the races that allow for build-up of tension, and that showcase grace and strategy, not just an explosive start and raw speed. What’s more beautiful than a 200m athlete who looks to be behind then comes off the curve in front having run a brilliant turn?  Well, maybe a group of seasoned and experienced 400m or 800m athletes running a deliberate, intelligent race, resulting in a thrilling and down-to-the-wire finish.

 

These races are the ones that get my blood pumping. Sure, I’ll be on the black, green and gold bandwagon cheering on our 100m stars, and celebrating when they cross the finish line. But really, I’ll be looking through the schedule for the FUN races! Tell the truth! Don’t you agree with me?

 

(I won’t even comment on the 60m except to say I wish all our athletes the very best!)