• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Click here to download the  free ebook of Alberto Juantorena’s  detailed training workouts leading up to the 1976 Montreal Olympics

SpeedEndurance.com

Success in Track & Field ... and Life

  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
  • Track & Field
    • 400 meters
    • 800m & Mile
    • 1/2 & Full Marathons
    • Long & Triple Jump
    • Hurdles
  • Training
    • Weight Training
    • Abs & Core
    • Injury Prevention
    • Shoes & Spikes
    • Masters
  • Coaching
    • Freelap Friday Five
    • Interviews
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Sport Psychology
  • Archives
  • Shop
    • My account
    • Checkout
    • Basket

Arrogance vs Confidence (Stop Showboating!)

You are here: Home / Coaching / Arrogance vs Confidence (Stop Showboating!)
7
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

January 28, 2013 by Jimson Lee 6 Comments

Last Updated on April 10, 2013 by Jimson Lee

It’s Monday morning, it’s cold and raining, and I’m a bit grumpy Smile

After watching some of the indoor competitions this past weekend, 99% of athletes executed well within their means.

There are, of course, a few who didn’t follow my rules:

  • No showboating, no waving to the crown, and no celebrations before you cross the finish line.  Afterwards, you can do whatever you want.
  • Always run through the line, no slowing down.
  • Always lean for the line or tape, especially in timed sections!

Pretty simple instructions, no?

I don’t mind the clowning around in the blocks, and I don’t mind the post-race dances and flag waving.  I just cringe when I watch the 2008 Beijing Olympic final on TV.  (Mind you, he did run through the line in the 200m to a new WR)

There are hundreds of examples out there, but one race that sticks in my mind was Steve Ovett losing a rare 5000m at Crystal Palace, London in 1980 (post Moscow Olympics). Kudos go out to John Treacy for never, ever giving up.

Here is the video on YouTube:

See also  The History of Tyson Gay’s Spikes (Adidas)

Category iconCoaching,  Success,  Track & Field

About Jimson Lee

I am a Masters Athlete and Coach currently based in London UK. My other projects include the Bud Winter Foundation, writer for the IAAF New Studies in Athletics Journal (NSA) and a member of the Track & Field Writers of America.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steve Williams says

    January 28, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    Did a lot of it myself , something about the passion of coming from far back in the sprints , don’t do it young sprinters the clock is all that matters, it is timeless, it will stand forever

    Reply
  2. JJ says

    January 28, 2013 at 11:10 pm

    Good morning Jimson,

    hope you are not grumpy any more – he he sun is shining….
    good morning folks :-)
    mo

    Reply
    • Jimson Lee says

      January 29, 2013 at 1:36 pm

      @JJ, thanks… today’s article by Kenta’ Bell is a good one! Highly recommended!

      Reply
  3. Mike Cohen says

    January 31, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    You’re right Jimson, there are many examples of this showboating at all levels: pro, collegiate and high school. There is no place for it–it is disrespectful to the competitors and our sport itself. I’ve been coaching over 25 years and I love when the showboat gets beaten. Show some class–quiet confidence is all that’s needed.

    Reply
  4. Pat Charles says

    February 10, 2013 at 9:44 am

    Jimson,
    I have a different take on that Olympic Final. I honestly believe that when he saw what was going on, he was too surprised to keep his composure. In a final with one’s closest competitors, one expects that the glance at 80-85 meters would show someone, not that expanse of space, especially when his start was “normal.”

    Excellent website/blog. One day, I may make it to a Masters competition and personally meet and thank you for the resources and motivational words that you provide.

    Thank you again.

    Sincerely,
    Patrice Charles

    Reply
    • Jimson Lee says

      February 11, 2013 at 3:30 am

      @Pat, I asked the great Steve William this very question on why Bolt showboated in 2008, and he gave a great analogy about driving a (fast) sports car convertible in the country roads… you get drawn into euphoria, you just smile and look around… nothing else matters I remember Ben Johnson saying the 100m was “exquisite hell”. But I am happy it was a one time deal in his early days. Now he runs though the line. He has to, he has Blake and the Americans gunning for that win.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Recommended

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbs-aWxyLk

Shop Our Store

  • Bud Winter (9)
  • Championship Productions (6)
  • Clyde Hart (2)
  • Derek Hansen (1)
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation (2)
  • Jim Hiserman (6)
  • Jimson Lee (4)
  • Uncategorised (0)

Articles by Category

Products

  • Jim Hiserman - Developing 800m Runners: Identifying, Categorizing and Developing 400m-800m Type Athletes $42.99 $39.99
  • Private Coaching - Monthly Plan $600.00 $525.00
  • Jim Hiserman - Developing Distance Runners Volume 2 Jim Hiserman - Developing Distance Runners Volume 2: A Systematic Approach to Developing Individual Success within a Dynamic Team Culture $34.95 $29.95
  • Feed-the-Cats-Clinic-3-Pack-701 'Feed the Cats' Clinic 3-Pack $64.99
  • Tony Holler's Feed the Cats": A Complete Sprint Training Program Tony Holler's "Feed the Cats" Complete Sprint Training Program $49.99
  • Bud Winter and Speed City presents Arthur Lydiard 509x716 Bud Winter & Arthur Lydiard MP3 [Download only] $9.99

RECENT POSTS

  • Here is our 400m Discussion Recording… over 2 Hours Long
  • The Best Free Coaching Book – post Beijing 2022 Olympics
  • The Ultimate 400m Track Webinar for Coaches & Athletes
  • NACAC Athletics Coaching Science Series 2022
  • Top Six 400m Predictor Workouts (Number 4 is my Favourite)
  • Best 6 Podcasts for 2021 (and Beyond)
  • Why Karsten Warholm’s 45.94 400mH WR is my Highlight of 2021
  • Sprinting: 10 Research Articles for Effective Sprint Training [Part 23]
  • Pressure in Sports – Reflections from Tokyo 2020 Olympics
  • 2021 International Festival of Athletics Coaching [Nov 5-7]

Copyright © 2022. SpeedEndurance.com is owned and operated by Aryta Ltd. Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy