I had an argument with a friend about how the Jamaican runners have dominated the track and field events. But, my argument is that I agree that they are good, but don't they go to US schools, and train here, and when the Olympics come they go back to their countries and run for them. Would they be as good as they are if they would train in their countries.
The relay races suck for the USA. To take the baton you hold your arm straight down. Your four fingers are together and your thumb is closest to your body the hand forms an upside down U, then all you have to do is start slow the guy coming up behind just raises the baton up into the upside down U and you wrap your fingers around it. There is only one move and that is close the hand. The upside down U is like a slot and they runner coming from behind just raises it into the slot. The flat open hand leaves to much to error. The hand is in an unusual position. The person receiving the baton can hold his thumb against the body and the person behind just slides it up into the slot. Right hand into left hand, right hand into left hand right hand into left hand and finish. Need a coach. I am one.
Talk about up-setting. All they have to do is place the baton in a hand wait for the recipient to hold it and take off. I still can't believe both the US women and men drop the baton. Right into left..I suppose the mix-up was because we don't know right from left and how to hold onto a piece of stick....still can't believe it. Everyone claims they had no competition but I suppose right to left was the competition and the ability to hold onto a stick was the biggest competition out there. Sign frustrated observer and runner.
Actually all of the Jamaican runners live in Jamaica. They don't train here either or go to US schools. They train in Jamaica and visit for major competitions. I personally know more than 70% of the Jamaicans participating in the Olympics. They would not compete as they do if they train in the US because then they will get spoiled. Over the past few Olympics when competing Jamaican who became US citizens represent US in the Olympics I don't remember hearing about it being an issue or any discussion about their country of origin except they didn't perform as expected or you hear about possible drug usage. And yes we are as good as we are in track, academics and much more. Not because its American mean its better quality. Most Jamaican are in HS as early as age 7 and graduating College by on average 14 years old yet when they come to live in the US we are place in remedial classes and lower level classes because of our age learning materials we have learned years before. I would challenge any American to live the life of a Jamaican unless that is done one has no standard for which to compare. Signed Jamaican Olympian
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-21-2008 @ 3:27PM
NN said...
This chat is for 1pm EST? Would that be 12 noon EDT?
Reply
8-21-2008 @ 9:05PM
gperez said...
I had an argument with a friend about how the Jamaican runners have dominated the track and field events. But, my argument is that I agree that they are good, but don't they go to US schools, and train here, and when the Olympics come they go back to their countries and run for them. Would they be as good as they are if they would train in their countries.
Reply
8-21-2008 @ 9:31PM
John said...
The relay races suck for the USA. To take the baton you hold your arm straight down. Your four fingers are together and your thumb is closest to your body the hand forms an upside down U, then all you have to do is start slow the guy coming up behind just raises the baton up into the upside down U and you wrap your fingers around it. There is only one move and that is close the hand. The upside down U is like a slot and they runner coming from behind just raises it into the slot. The flat open hand leaves to much to error. The hand is in an unusual position. The person receiving the baton can hold his thumb against the body and the person behind just slides it up into the slot. Right hand into left hand, right hand into left hand right hand into left hand and finish. Need a coach. I am one.
Reply
8-21-2008 @ 11:49PM
princess said...
Talk about up-setting. All they have to do is place the baton in a hand wait for the recipient to hold it and take off. I still can't believe both the US women and men drop the baton. Right into left..I suppose the mix-up was because we don't know right from left and how to hold onto a piece of stick....still can't believe it. Everyone claims they had no competition but I suppose right to left was the competition and the ability to hold onto a stick was the biggest competition out there. Sign frustrated observer and runner.
Reply
8-21-2008 @ 11:50PM
princess said...
Actually all of the Jamaican runners live in Jamaica. They don't train here either or go to US schools. They train in Jamaica and visit for major competitions. I personally know more than 70% of the Jamaicans participating in the Olympics. They would not compete as they do if they train in the US because then they will get spoiled. Over the past few Olympics when competing Jamaican who became US citizens represent US in the Olympics I don't remember hearing about it being an issue or any discussion about their country of origin except they didn't perform as expected or you hear about possible drug usage. And yes we are as good as we are in track, academics and much more. Not because its American mean its better quality. Most Jamaican are in HS as early as age 7 and graduating College by on average 14 years old yet when they come to live in the US we are place in remedial classes and lower level classes because of our age learning materials we have learned years before. I would challenge any American to live the life of a Jamaican unless that is done one has no standard for which to compare. Signed Jamaican Olympian
Reply