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Can former elite athletes become world class coaches?
Just because you once ran fast (once upon a time) does not qualify or give you the permission to become a coach.
You have to pay your dues, obtain certifications, and go to conferences.
You have to learn, learn, learn.
You can never stop learning.
There are a lot of success stories of athletes who competed at the national and Olympic level: Charlie Francis, Gerard Mach, and John Smith, are some names that come to mind. (I know, I am leaving a LOT of names out)
Today, we’ve seen the likes of Leroy Burell, Jon Drummond, and Eldrick Floreal. (Again, I am leaving a LOT of names out!)
Some athletes such as Michael Johnson and Ato Boldon took the TV and broadcasting route.
Maurice Greene
How about Maurice Greene?
When I visited John Smith’s HSI camp back in 2007, it was obvious Mo was interested in coaching, and not ballroom dancing. Throughout the entire workout, he was always commenting on technique and mechanics to his fellow training partners.
Today, Maurice Greene is Alive and Well and Living in Paris Los Angeles, but it might as well be Paris. (Jacques Brel fans will get this joke)
Below is a video on YouTube that shows Mo training France’s Martial Mbandjock in Paris prior to the European Indoors Championships.
Jimson Lee
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Nice vid, and Maurice’s tongue moves are still there,I wonder if his tongue movements( in and out of mouth ) can be compared with Alan Wells’ speedball training activities, you never know, maybe this tongue thing made him what he is. And Martial (pictured on the video) will copy him as a good student should always do. I can’t wait to see what becomes of all this. Rest assured.