Comments on: Motivation for Blanka Vlasic – Kostadinova 2.09m WR High Jump

By: Jimson Lee

Jimson Lee — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:05:01 +0000

@Fred – that a great idea (about using excerpts from the book).

So far, I am in Rome for good. The food is amazing (if you love Carbs) Here is one of my new friend’s assessment so far:

- Average salaries are one of the lowest in Europe,
- Rents and rates are the highest in Europe
- Public offices, banks and post offices have the same level of service as in the average 3rd world country
- In general you will have to face with the worst bureaucracy you could even imagine;
- No one respects any basic rule;
- Speed Limits on highways are wild estimates
- No one would even try to make people respect the rules;
- Public transportation is ridiculous compared to the avg European cities;
- Being on time is really an option for trains and buses;

By: Fred Altieri

Fred Altieri — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:02:32 +0000

lol, Jimson. I noticed a few of the hidden tips as you point out in the book. I wish had enough knowledge and experience to know where the 70-80% were that I couldn’t possibly decipher. More importantly is what to do with these gems and how to properly incorporate them into a personal program. Maybe you can revisit the book one day and give us a few pointers and positive applications from some of them.

p.s. Are you in Italy on extended vacation, work or planning to live there? You’re a lucky guy, regardless.

By: Jimson Lee

Jimson Lee — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:07:02 +0000

@Fred – yes, we need more Blankas in this sport. Amy Acuff tried a few tactics in the past with her “uniform” a while back. (pink fur halter top?)

And yes, Speed Trap is a great book. There are so many references to good coaching and sprinting tips hidden in that book.

I wish he would release a “Speed Trap 2: 25th anniversary” in 2013?

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:16:53 +0000

Yep. Blanka is definitely a crowd pleaser and loves to include them into her whole routine. I also loved the fact that she went for a 10.10 after she won her event in theh video you posted. The first attempt was a very nice try. We need more athletes like her.

I just recently finished reading “Speed Trap” by Charlie Francis. I absolutely loved the book and the way Charlie tells the story. I have a lot of respect for those who have coached, competed and participated in Canadian track and field events and for their country throughout the past half century. I never realized the pitiful amount of financial, motivational and logistical support they received from the Canadian government, track and field federations and the participating large businesses. (Not to mention the behind the scenes political moves and the ridiculous conditional agreements placed on the athletes which could be terminated at a moments notice.) Ben Johnson always remained one of my favorites before I read the book and I admire him even more after having read it. I wish Charlie Francis would have written 1000 or more pages as I just couldn’t get enough of the details and the ups and downs unfolding at almost every page. I believe he wrote an honest and forthright story considering he was in the eye of the storm and is telling the story from his perspective and well-being. I also learned quite a bit about what it entails to be a coach, trainer, and physical therapist at that level. I urge everyone to read the book if they get a chance.