As a former professional athlete for (lets just say "many" years), I've had the opportunity to do quite a few interviews throughout my career. Last week, I had a phone conversation with Steve McGill of Hurdlesfirst.com, a website dedicated to highlighting some of the best hurdlers ever, and basically everything hurdles.
Though I'd run across Steve's website a few weeks prior, it was quite a pleasant surprise to meet him as I was visiting a local track club in the Atlanta area.
I'll be honest with you people, I'm not big on interviews, nor and I really fond of being in the "limelight". After years of doing "interviews" that just never seemed to come out right and grossly undermined what i had to say, I often found myself reading something I never said or that failed to effectively translate what I actually said. I'm often wary of "interviewing" for these reasons. So after years of laying low, I decided to hand Steve McGill a flashlight to shine on me for this interview.
After all these days...I got quite a bit to say....
Immediately, I felt at ease with Steve and the questions he asked. I could tell he knew a lot about the sport and more importantly about the hurdle events and it's participants. What a pleasure this was. He made this interview for me equivalent to the best race I've ever run.
It's not often that I open myself and become completely vulnerable to a complete stranger. On this day, this journalist dug deep enough to allow me the freedom to express exactly what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. Ask any athlete, this is rare!! As athletes, we are often guided toward saying what we think interviewers wants to hear, and repeating questions they think will sell. All the the while, flawing the true translation and efficaciousness of the interview.
I express all of this to say this: Thank you Steve McGill for getting it right. For allowing me to be me and saying what I feel needs to be said. Thank you for writing from my true space and sharing with those who are interested, a story that is real and wholehearted. Thank you for writing it JUST like I said it, feelings and all.
Everyone, Please take the time and read this story. I must say, it's well written and beautifully expressed
The Article Link:
www.hurdlesfirst.com/kimbatten.htm
with smiles,
Kim Batten
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
My biggest concern with Youth Clubs and Leagues:
In my last blog, I spoke very briefly about some of my concerns with the structure of youth sports as it stands today. As a disclaimer, I would like to add that youth sports clubs and leagues, more often than not, serve a relevant purpose in the youth sports structure.
Let me start by stating what I believe their current role is, and should be as it stands today.
Youth sports program are often set up as non-profit organizations, run by parents , volunteers, and individuals who themselves simply enjoy sports and were probably athletes themselves. These organizations provide a competitive opportunity for young athletes to test their athletic skills amongst peers and experience sports in an organized structure. My opionion is this, because of their current structure, youth sports programs should serve as COMPETIVE opportunities only. Because these programs are comprised often of voluteers/parents, most don't have the resources or time to properly "train the kids", so it's simply left undone.
Generally, these programs begin their registration process within weeks of competition. (example: track and field program registration for youth generally starts in February/ March, whereas Youth Football starts August/September) The issue is this, the competitive season kicks off for these young athletes within a relatively short period of time in respect to the start of competition, in effect giving these youth very little proper time for development.
I've always wondered....what if these kids got a bit of proper fitness under their belts? What if someone could implement sports planning with these kids from a longer term perspective? I'm thinking...Usain Bolt and Micheal Phelps. Both these athletes were under long term sports planning type training from young ages. Our sports society LOVES great competitions. I would have done "flips" to see someone "next" to Usain Bolt or Micheal Phelps in the 2008 Olympics. How exciting would it have been to see someone giving them both a run for their money?
I think back to my race in 1995 with Tonja Buford when we both broke the world record in the 400 hurdles. I still get chills and break tears when I watch my race. And it's not surprising that it was rated the top 11th race of all time. Why? Because we love great competitions..not blowouts. (well maybe I should speak for myself for now.) However, I would love to know what YOU think!!.. Hit me up and share your thoughts.
I guess the point that I'm trying to stress is this. Lets give all kids a chance to be great and maximize their potential. I know some will make it, and some won't, but if we do our part by providing for them with valid opportunities through proper training and development (and fitness), we, at the very least, provide them a better playing field.
People to me, it's simple I think there are far more of these kids out there who have a chance to excel at the highest level. We just have to create a better system to find and nurture them. Currently, I think we sell them short and create contradicting values and expectations.
And the end result, in my opinion is this: Young people using Performance Enhancing drugs to get better, because they want to win at any cost. And I don't think this trend is going to stop unless we first recognize WHY they are making these choices and decisions. Our system in many respects, create drug users. We need better programs, and we need them now. These programs need to drive home the importance of character development first and foremost. Teaching them to win and to lose, and ultimately carry their sporting experience to other arenas in their life and be successful. What can we do as parents, coaches, administrator to maximize their potential on the field, but most importantly, off the field.
Ok I feel like I went a lot a places in this blog....but the reason is because, I got sooooo much to say. Maybe I should start a radio blog or something...so I can talk, talk , talk. Would you listen? LOL.
So long folks.
Let me start by stating what I believe their current role is, and should be as it stands today.
Youth sports program are often set up as non-profit organizations, run by parents , volunteers, and individuals who themselves simply enjoy sports and were probably athletes themselves. These organizations provide a competitive opportunity for young athletes to test their athletic skills amongst peers and experience sports in an organized structure. My opionion is this, because of their current structure, youth sports programs should serve as COMPETIVE opportunities only. Because these programs are comprised often of voluteers/parents, most don't have the resources or time to properly "train the kids", so it's simply left undone.
Generally, these programs begin their registration process within weeks of competition. (example: track and field program registration for youth generally starts in February/ March, whereas Youth Football starts August/September) The issue is this, the competitive season kicks off for these young athletes within a relatively short period of time in respect to the start of competition, in effect giving these youth very little proper time for development.
I've always wondered....what if these kids got a bit of proper fitness under their belts? What if someone could implement sports planning with these kids from a longer term perspective? I'm thinking...Usain Bolt and Micheal Phelps. Both these athletes were under long term sports planning type training from young ages. Our sports society LOVES great competitions. I would have done "flips" to see someone "next" to Usain Bolt or Micheal Phelps in the 2008 Olympics. How exciting would it have been to see someone giving them both a run for their money?
I think back to my race in 1995 with Tonja Buford when we both broke the world record in the 400 hurdles. I still get chills and break tears when I watch my race. And it's not surprising that it was rated the top 11th race of all time. Why? Because we love great competitions..not blowouts. (well maybe I should speak for myself for now.) However, I would love to know what YOU think!!.. Hit me up and share your thoughts.
I guess the point that I'm trying to stress is this. Lets give all kids a chance to be great and maximize their potential. I know some will make it, and some won't, but if we do our part by providing for them with valid opportunities through proper training and development (and fitness), we, at the very least, provide them a better playing field.
People to me, it's simple I think there are far more of these kids out there who have a chance to excel at the highest level. We just have to create a better system to find and nurture them. Currently, I think we sell them short and create contradicting values and expectations.
And the end result, in my opinion is this: Young people using Performance Enhancing drugs to get better, because they want to win at any cost. And I don't think this trend is going to stop unless we first recognize WHY they are making these choices and decisions. Our system in many respects, create drug users. We need better programs, and we need them now. These programs need to drive home the importance of character development first and foremost. Teaching them to win and to lose, and ultimately carry their sporting experience to other arenas in their life and be successful. What can we do as parents, coaches, administrator to maximize their potential on the field, but most importantly, off the field.
Ok I feel like I went a lot a places in this blog....but the reason is because, I got sooooo much to say. Maybe I should start a radio blog or something...so I can talk, talk , talk. Would you listen? LOL.
So long folks.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A Strategy in the Works
Hello All
Recently, I've received some excellent feedback from recent inquiries, concerning any strategies I think may work with reforming the current youth sports structure. One reply really stood out with me. This inquiry came from one of my former college roommate, and Florida State teammate, Ann G. Ann was 100 meter hurdler at Florida State. But what makes Ann's post most interesting, is that she's originally from England, and has a pretty solid understanding of the European sports club system.
Ann asked a few questions that I know eventually, I will have to answer, if I'm to bring visibility to this mission.
Let me start by saying this, while if any proposed strategy I may have, appear not to be reflected in its entirety or completion, it's simply because, I believe that ANY strategy addressed, must be flexible and integrative enough as to not completely overthrow our existing youth sports structure. After all, with due respect, it has produced quite a few very outstanding athletes.
I'd like to start by stating to you my initial MISSION STATEMENT
with BODY BY BATTEN.
It, however, has been revised for a couple of reasons. The first reason is because I felt that the wording was not quite right. So I folded the idea, revised the statement, and decided to KISS. (KEEP IT SIMPLE SISTA.) The Second reason for revision is due to, some maybe not quite understanding exactly what I'm trying to convey. I imagine that would be my fault.
Ultimately, I decided to take a different approach concerning the matter. I felt like I may have a better opportunity to reflect this "underlying mission" by laying its message in an educational-type medium, like blogging, my B3 workshops, and most importantly, through the day to day interactions with my athletes and their parents.
So here is the Original Mission Statement:
We seek to provide parents, athletes, and organized sports programs with an integrated, and centralized solution, for youth sports by creating strategic alliances and partnerships in the community. Our Goal is to provide for youths an organization committed in the overall social development and long-term sports planning.
PLEASE READ TWICE.
So now, I will attempt to briefly answer Ann's questions, one by one.
1. Are you focused on this "elite school" system being set up for younger athletes?
The vision that I see for an "elite sports academy" is definitely targeted toward youth. I'm a firm believer that, at this stage, we must start with a program/programs that will start from the bottom up. Our grass roots programs are at risk because, we have not, as a nation, made a concerted effort to nurture a better system. Mainly, because many may not see the system needing a fix. I believe we are currently in a reactive state of finding a solution. Many negative trends are already set in motion. (Read my Blog in the coming days on the detailed issues of the current situation.)
2. How do you identify Talented youth athletes.
I think any good coach who has been around a sport long enough can easily identify a "talented" athlete. But what more important is how well coaches deal with that talent. If you have a program/coach that better understands the physical and psychological development of athlete, you can drastically increase the probability of an athlete having passion and enjoying their sport(s). If this passion is not present, it doesn't matter how talented the athlete is. They will eventually walk away. Today, many club environments often lack a positive learning and developmental environment.
The kids are often not trained properly. Imagine stepping into summer track or football with no pre-training (as they often do) and having to get in shape in 2 weeks and compete. How can we find great athletes in that environment? We lose so many talented athletes with that alone. Trust me, it's a lot easier to compete when you have a bit a fitness under your belt, and that can't happen in weeks. We really need to better prepare our youth athletes.
3. Are you thinking that the Govt will pay for the facilities like they do in China?
This is a Yes and No answer. I do not believe that China's system will work here in the states (Human Rights Issues, to say the least). Nor do I believe "an elite school system" in it's purest form will work here. Our system would have to fall somewhere in between. (I'll explain later). I don't feel we should hand over our private athlete systems to the Govt, however, I do feel they should play an significant role in the well-being of our athletes. Does that equal funding? To a certain extent. I think the recent involvement of govt in the growing steroid cases demonstrates that they have a "interest" in making sure that drug usage in this country is curtailed. Something else to think about is this, most sports clubs and leagues are non-profit, and therefore under some level of control by the govt anyway. I just can't figure out why most clubs struggle financially to run it's programs. Improper funding can and have caused these organizations a number of fundamental problems.
4. Will Parents of elite athletes foot the bill.
With the rise of Sports Performance companies and Private Trainers catering to youth and athletes, I think, certainly, that parents will and can absorb the cost of having their young athletes trained properly. After all the Youth Sports Industry in 2007, was a $4 billion dollar industry with double digit annual growth projections. However, that was pre- economic collapse. Which may make for a even better case of Governmental support.
5. What about a better organized Club System?
Absolutely, that would be ideal, if the program is designed with some very key factors in mind. However, if you draw back on my original Mission statement, I feel that these organization can play a key role as they exist today. However, their role would be redefined in a sense. One of the biggest concern I have with Clubs is this, they often lack the preparatory time to train young athletes properly. Most begin their registration for summer program in Feb.(here in Georgia)and soon afterwards,begin competition within weeks of enrollments with the clubs. I find the situation unsuitable for maximized performances.
6. How does the current collegiate program we have fit in?
The collegiate system, in my opinion works well. They, in effect, would act within the same parameters as they are currently today, from an educational perspective. Some believe that college in more or less terms represent a "holding tank" prior to entering the job force, however, in this respect, athletic professionalism. Same concept can be applied. However, I would like to state that I am completely "for" the collegiate system, educationally, and athletically. The system brings a wealth of experience and development on so many levels. Actually, I believe this is one of the reasons why the European nation lags behind a bit in respect to athletics.
Ann's final statement was not in Question form, however, I would like to address it.
She said:
"In the UK, they have this system called POWER of 10, where youth athletes achieving a certain standard gain extra funding and access to better training resources. here's the link. I'm not sure it's a great system, but its another idea.
http://www.powerof10.info/
After taking a closer look at this program, my opinion is that its REACTIVE. It was developed as a solution for a system already in trouble. This is exactly what I hope we avoid here in the U.S. In athletics, the last respectable presence of the the British team was in 1992. The question that needs to be asked is.. What was happening in their system prior to this, and what happened afterward. Their answer is there.
In addition, it's hard to truly understand exactly who the program are targeting, youth or elite athletes. Another concern would be the reward system of athletes and coaches.
I'm thinking,, .....the American Financial System "Greed Mentality". Careful not to reward participants undeserving, as it creates "desperate" (products.)
So Ann, I hope I've answered your questions adequately enough. In the meantime,you know that you can always call me personally for a one on one, as we are probably overdue anyway.(smiles) And thank you my friend, for the questions.
Ciao, til next time.
Kim Batten
Recently, I've received some excellent feedback from recent inquiries, concerning any strategies I think may work with reforming the current youth sports structure. One reply really stood out with me. This inquiry came from one of my former college roommate, and Florida State teammate, Ann G. Ann was 100 meter hurdler at Florida State. But what makes Ann's post most interesting, is that she's originally from England, and has a pretty solid understanding of the European sports club system.
Ann asked a few questions that I know eventually, I will have to answer, if I'm to bring visibility to this mission.
Let me start by saying this, while if any proposed strategy I may have, appear not to be reflected in its entirety or completion, it's simply because, I believe that ANY strategy addressed, must be flexible and integrative enough as to not completely overthrow our existing youth sports structure. After all, with due respect, it has produced quite a few very outstanding athletes.
I'd like to start by stating to you my initial MISSION STATEMENT
with BODY BY BATTEN.
It, however, has been revised for a couple of reasons. The first reason is because I felt that the wording was not quite right. So I folded the idea, revised the statement, and decided to KISS. (KEEP IT SIMPLE SISTA.) The Second reason for revision is due to, some maybe not quite understanding exactly what I'm trying to convey. I imagine that would be my fault.
Ultimately, I decided to take a different approach concerning the matter. I felt like I may have a better opportunity to reflect this "underlying mission" by laying its message in an educational-type medium, like blogging, my B3 workshops, and most importantly, through the day to day interactions with my athletes and their parents.
So here is the Original Mission Statement:
We seek to provide parents, athletes, and organized sports programs with an integrated, and centralized solution, for youth sports by creating strategic alliances and partnerships in the community. Our Goal is to provide for youths an organization committed in the overall social development and long-term sports planning.
PLEASE READ TWICE.
So now, I will attempt to briefly answer Ann's questions, one by one.
1. Are you focused on this "elite school" system being set up for younger athletes?
The vision that I see for an "elite sports academy" is definitely targeted toward youth. I'm a firm believer that, at this stage, we must start with a program/programs that will start from the bottom up. Our grass roots programs are at risk because, we have not, as a nation, made a concerted effort to nurture a better system. Mainly, because many may not see the system needing a fix. I believe we are currently in a reactive state of finding a solution. Many negative trends are already set in motion. (Read my Blog in the coming days on the detailed issues of the current situation.)
2. How do you identify Talented youth athletes.
I think any good coach who has been around a sport long enough can easily identify a "talented" athlete. But what more important is how well coaches deal with that talent. If you have a program/coach that better understands the physical and psychological development of athlete, you can drastically increase the probability of an athlete having passion and enjoying their sport(s). If this passion is not present, it doesn't matter how talented the athlete is. They will eventually walk away. Today, many club environments often lack a positive learning and developmental environment.
The kids are often not trained properly. Imagine stepping into summer track or football with no pre-training (as they often do) and having to get in shape in 2 weeks and compete. How can we find great athletes in that environment? We lose so many talented athletes with that alone. Trust me, it's a lot easier to compete when you have a bit a fitness under your belt, and that can't happen in weeks. We really need to better prepare our youth athletes.
3. Are you thinking that the Govt will pay for the facilities like they do in China?
This is a Yes and No answer. I do not believe that China's system will work here in the states (Human Rights Issues, to say the least). Nor do I believe "an elite school system" in it's purest form will work here. Our system would have to fall somewhere in between. (I'll explain later). I don't feel we should hand over our private athlete systems to the Govt, however, I do feel they should play an significant role in the well-being of our athletes. Does that equal funding? To a certain extent. I think the recent involvement of govt in the growing steroid cases demonstrates that they have a "interest" in making sure that drug usage in this country is curtailed. Something else to think about is this, most sports clubs and leagues are non-profit, and therefore under some level of control by the govt anyway. I just can't figure out why most clubs struggle financially to run it's programs. Improper funding can and have caused these organizations a number of fundamental problems.
4. Will Parents of elite athletes foot the bill.
With the rise of Sports Performance companies and Private Trainers catering to youth and athletes, I think, certainly, that parents will and can absorb the cost of having their young athletes trained properly. After all the Youth Sports Industry in 2007, was a $4 billion dollar industry with double digit annual growth projections. However, that was pre- economic collapse. Which may make for a even better case of Governmental support.
5. What about a better organized Club System?
Absolutely, that would be ideal, if the program is designed with some very key factors in mind. However, if you draw back on my original Mission statement, I feel that these organization can play a key role as they exist today. However, their role would be redefined in a sense. One of the biggest concern I have with Clubs is this, they often lack the preparatory time to train young athletes properly. Most begin their registration for summer program in Feb.(here in Georgia)and soon afterwards,begin competition within weeks of enrollments with the clubs. I find the situation unsuitable for maximized performances.
6. How does the current collegiate program we have fit in?
The collegiate system, in my opinion works well. They, in effect, would act within the same parameters as they are currently today, from an educational perspective. Some believe that college in more or less terms represent a "holding tank" prior to entering the job force, however, in this respect, athletic professionalism. Same concept can be applied. However, I would like to state that I am completely "for" the collegiate system, educationally, and athletically. The system brings a wealth of experience and development on so many levels. Actually, I believe this is one of the reasons why the European nation lags behind a bit in respect to athletics.
Ann's final statement was not in Question form, however, I would like to address it.
She said:
"In the UK, they have this system called POWER of 10, where youth athletes achieving a certain standard gain extra funding and access to better training resources. here's the link. I'm not sure it's a great system, but its another idea.
http://www.powerof10.info/
After taking a closer look at this program, my opinion is that its REACTIVE. It was developed as a solution for a system already in trouble. This is exactly what I hope we avoid here in the U.S. In athletics, the last respectable presence of the the British team was in 1992. The question that needs to be asked is.. What was happening in their system prior to this, and what happened afterward. Their answer is there.
In addition, it's hard to truly understand exactly who the program are targeting, youth or elite athletes. Another concern would be the reward system of athletes and coaches.
I'm thinking,, .....the American Financial System "Greed Mentality". Careful not to reward participants undeserving, as it creates "desperate" (products.)
So Ann, I hope I've answered your questions adequately enough. In the meantime,you know that you can always call me personally for a one on one, as we are probably overdue anyway.(smiles) And thank you my friend, for the questions.
Ciao, til next time.
Kim Batten
Saturday, March 21, 2009
READY,SEEEETTTTT ..............
Well, Here I GO.(again)
I've finally made progress with the completing of my website. I'm really excited about it, and hope that it translate the messages that lay deep within the grains of my company. This last month or so, I've made tremendous gains in getting things done. I still have so much to do. I'm having to get things done between training my athletes,and trying to start another company. I will tell you all about it down the line, as I've integrated it's mission to the journey of the Body By Batten company.
I've been looking forward to getting back to my blogging. I've run across some great articles and information that will certainly be useful.
However, before I begin, I want to send a sincere thank you to all of my friends and love ones who have listened to me over the last 6 months about the direction I look to take Body By Batten. But as anyone who has accomplished a dream,(even under difficult circumstances)will know, you have to keep the chatter alive. Preferably for me, outside of my head.
Thank you for listening and thank you all for your feedback.
I stayed up last night, very late, trying to figure out what I wanted to address first in my blog. It's amazing the clarity you get in the midnight hour. I realized that, I need to share with you my biggest concern with youth sports, and sports in general, and how I want my company to play a role in the big picture.
Right before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I ran across a great article in the Wall Street Journal called "The New Gold War". It was quite an interesting read. It was a story about an ongoing movement by a few nations around the world to reestablish the concept of Elite sports schools. Some of you may refer back to the controversial, steroid infested sporting legacy of the East Germans back in the early 80's. Well, a certain nation, (Germany), have been revamping this concept (without the steroids)by pumping millions of dollars in renovating gyms, pools and tracks at certain designated schools, with hope of increasing their medal count at the Olympic Games in the future. Seems Germany, has fallen so far behind in the overall medal count at this prestigious event, that they are currently designing a national "sports comeback". This is also happening with a number of other countries around the world. Japan, Australia, and China are also following similar strategies. This is all understandable, as govt'has long viewed the Olympics as a proxy for national success. (as stated by Ian Johnson in his article.)
If we take a look back at 2008 Olympics, we struggled abit to remain on top, while China and "Jamaica" posted unprecedented performances across the board. People, I see here, a shifting trend forming. One that, if not addressed, will leave this country wondering where all the great athletes went. More so, this trend raised a big red flag for me, in relation to what going on in this country. I think we have all heard the ever-increasing stories about our "well-known" athletes being busted for steroid usage. And even more frightening is that our younger athletes today are being exposed ever more so. My concern with this picture is this, as an Olympian, I'm proud of all of my accomplishments, but what I'm most proud of is, that I achieved it all DRUG-FREE. And I know there are many more out there who are like me.
There are going to be individuals who see this trend, and will tell athletes that the only way they are going to be able to compete at the elite level, is to use performance enhancing drugs. I have a MAJOR problem with this, because it's just not true!!
I DO NOT want to see our young people selling their souls for fame,and sacrificing their health for glory. I want our athletes to hold the value of integrity and trust that they can be "great" and "winners" without using Steroids, and/or the yet to be, mainstream discovery, "Gene Doping".
MY QUESTION TODAY IS..... WHAT IS OUR STRATEGY? I believe we (administrators, coaches, and parents) as an nation will need to recreate our own strategy to compete in this "New Gold War". Because if we don't, I believe our young athletes today, and tomorrow, will continue to suffer the consequences of being ill-prepared and ill-informed. I believe that if we institute in our youth sports programs, the idea of becoming similar to these so called elite schools, we can then lay solid foundations to building better athletes,and more importantly, better role models and leaders.
I know that some will find what I believe to be a bit controversial on some level, as they may not believe in the idea of centralizing our sporting programs, but I truly feel that if we don't take action in some form or manner, within a decade or so, if not sooner, we will be staring in the faces of athletes who will be so genetically altered, that we won't recognize our own children. If you think the stories of Marion Jones, Alex Rodriquez, Dwain Chambers and countless others are disturbing, YOU JUST WAIT. Athletes will feel the pressure to perform more than ever before. This is what I'll be fighting for.....Change.
Change in a Grassroots structure that appears broken, fragmented and unprogressive.
This Movement may not be my legacy, But it shall be known, clearly, where I stand.
Please take a moment and read this article. It's an interesting read.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121763204928806141.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I've finally made progress with the completing of my website. I'm really excited about it, and hope that it translate the messages that lay deep within the grains of my company. This last month or so, I've made tremendous gains in getting things done. I still have so much to do. I'm having to get things done between training my athletes,and trying to start another company. I will tell you all about it down the line, as I've integrated it's mission to the journey of the Body By Batten company.
I've been looking forward to getting back to my blogging. I've run across some great articles and information that will certainly be useful.
However, before I begin, I want to send a sincere thank you to all of my friends and love ones who have listened to me over the last 6 months about the direction I look to take Body By Batten. But as anyone who has accomplished a dream,(even under difficult circumstances)will know, you have to keep the chatter alive. Preferably for me, outside of my head.
Thank you for listening and thank you all for your feedback.
I stayed up last night, very late, trying to figure out what I wanted to address first in my blog. It's amazing the clarity you get in the midnight hour. I realized that, I need to share with you my biggest concern with youth sports, and sports in general, and how I want my company to play a role in the big picture.
Right before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I ran across a great article in the Wall Street Journal called "The New Gold War". It was quite an interesting read. It was a story about an ongoing movement by a few nations around the world to reestablish the concept of Elite sports schools. Some of you may refer back to the controversial, steroid infested sporting legacy of the East Germans back in the early 80's. Well, a certain nation, (Germany), have been revamping this concept (without the steroids)by pumping millions of dollars in renovating gyms, pools and tracks at certain designated schools, with hope of increasing their medal count at the Olympic Games in the future. Seems Germany, has fallen so far behind in the overall medal count at this prestigious event, that they are currently designing a national "sports comeback". This is also happening with a number of other countries around the world. Japan, Australia, and China are also following similar strategies. This is all understandable, as govt'has long viewed the Olympics as a proxy for national success. (as stated by Ian Johnson in his article.)
If we take a look back at 2008 Olympics, we struggled abit to remain on top, while China and "Jamaica" posted unprecedented performances across the board. People, I see here, a shifting trend forming. One that, if not addressed, will leave this country wondering where all the great athletes went. More so, this trend raised a big red flag for me, in relation to what going on in this country. I think we have all heard the ever-increasing stories about our "well-known" athletes being busted for steroid usage. And even more frightening is that our younger athletes today are being exposed ever more so. My concern with this picture is this, as an Olympian, I'm proud of all of my accomplishments, but what I'm most proud of is, that I achieved it all DRUG-FREE. And I know there are many more out there who are like me.
There are going to be individuals who see this trend, and will tell athletes that the only way they are going to be able to compete at the elite level, is to use performance enhancing drugs. I have a MAJOR problem with this, because it's just not true!!
I DO NOT want to see our young people selling their souls for fame,and sacrificing their health for glory. I want our athletes to hold the value of integrity and trust that they can be "great" and "winners" without using Steroids, and/or the yet to be, mainstream discovery, "Gene Doping".
MY QUESTION TODAY IS..... WHAT IS OUR STRATEGY? I believe we (administrators, coaches, and parents) as an nation will need to recreate our own strategy to compete in this "New Gold War". Because if we don't, I believe our young athletes today, and tomorrow, will continue to suffer the consequences of being ill-prepared and ill-informed. I believe that if we institute in our youth sports programs, the idea of becoming similar to these so called elite schools, we can then lay solid foundations to building better athletes,and more importantly, better role models and leaders.
I know that some will find what I believe to be a bit controversial on some level, as they may not believe in the idea of centralizing our sporting programs, but I truly feel that if we don't take action in some form or manner, within a decade or so, if not sooner, we will be staring in the faces of athletes who will be so genetically altered, that we won't recognize our own children. If you think the stories of Marion Jones, Alex Rodriquez, Dwain Chambers and countless others are disturbing, YOU JUST WAIT. Athletes will feel the pressure to perform more than ever before. This is what I'll be fighting for.....Change.
Change in a Grassroots structure that appears broken, fragmented and unprogressive.
This Movement may not be my legacy, But it shall be known, clearly, where I stand.
Please take a moment and read this article. It's an interesting read.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121763204928806141.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
IN THE BLOCKS
Hey,
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Kim Batten. I'm a 2-time Olympic Track and Field athlete who has decided to start a sports blog for youth, parents, and sports administrators alike. I recently started a fitness and sports performance company called Body By Batten for professional athletes,youth, and fitness enthusiasts with the purpose of helping others achieve the same goals that I worked for throughout my career. This blog offers me the opportunity to not only tell my own story, but to also pass on the many years of expertise and guidance that I received from the only 2 primary coaches I've ever had throughout my career. Betty Rich of Rochester, New York and Terry Long of Tallahassee, Florida, for me represent everything that I am as a coach today and everything that I achieved as an athlete. I believe that in order to become a well developed athlete mentally and physically, in today's environment, parents and athletes have to first start by understanding their own basic values of success and the intent of that success. Young athletes today are dealing with an incredible amount of pressure to be the best physical athletes they can be, often times at the expense of their well-being, proper training and development.
Take note in the rapid increase of performance enhancing drugs amongst not just professional athletes but high school athletes as well. This trend is so incredibly disturbing to me.
My point is, we as coaches, league administrators, parents and any individuals who decide to play a significant role in the athletic careers of young people, need to reassess and recommit in the overall positive social development of our future sporting stars.
I want to dedicate this blog to Betty Rich,( my high school coach) and Terry Long (my college and professional coach) for being the epitome and true model of COACHING GREATNESS. They taught me not only how to run fast, but more importantly how to run fast with integrity, pride and honor. They have allowed me to look back at my career and Thank God for not only the gift of talent that I was given, but also the gift of loving individuals who nurtured my God-given talent. I am Grateful, and I am blessed.
They made me want to be(after years of reluctance) the Gift that keeps on Giving.
I have so much I'd like to share, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Kim Batten. I'm a 2-time Olympic Track and Field athlete who has decided to start a sports blog for youth, parents, and sports administrators alike. I recently started a fitness and sports performance company called Body By Batten for professional athletes,youth, and fitness enthusiasts with the purpose of helping others achieve the same goals that I worked for throughout my career. This blog offers me the opportunity to not only tell my own story, but to also pass on the many years of expertise and guidance that I received from the only 2 primary coaches I've ever had throughout my career. Betty Rich of Rochester, New York and Terry Long of Tallahassee, Florida, for me represent everything that I am as a coach today and everything that I achieved as an athlete. I believe that in order to become a well developed athlete mentally and physically, in today's environment, parents and athletes have to first start by understanding their own basic values of success and the intent of that success. Young athletes today are dealing with an incredible amount of pressure to be the best physical athletes they can be, often times at the expense of their well-being, proper training and development.
Take note in the rapid increase of performance enhancing drugs amongst not just professional athletes but high school athletes as well. This trend is so incredibly disturbing to me.
My point is, we as coaches, league administrators, parents and any individuals who decide to play a significant role in the athletic careers of young people, need to reassess and recommit in the overall positive social development of our future sporting stars.
I want to dedicate this blog to Betty Rich,( my high school coach) and Terry Long (my college and professional coach) for being the epitome and true model of COACHING GREATNESS. They taught me not only how to run fast, but more importantly how to run fast with integrity, pride and honor. They have allowed me to look back at my career and Thank God for not only the gift of talent that I was given, but also the gift of loving individuals who nurtured my God-given talent. I am Grateful, and I am blessed.
They made me want to be(after years of reluctance) the Gift that keeps on Giving.
I have so much I'd like to share, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
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