| i kinda like running |
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Anyone else find it odd that he claims not to feel much pressure about making the Olympics this year because he'll "have another chance" in 4 years? Well, sure Andrew. You'll theoretically still be in your prime in 2016. But ANYTHING can happen between now and then. This could absolutely be your last chance to compete in the Olympics. Don't take it so lightly. I know he's just trying to relax, but it doesn't sound like he has the drive or hunger to compete at the pro level consistently for the long term. I see another Alan Webb type career in the works. A few impressive races here and there. No medals. |
| Herblindsey |
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I was thinking the same thing when I saw the silly video and rather goofy photo. Personally, I was thinking this is further evidence of an American/cultural divide between us and the more accomplished Africans. IMHO. However, with both he and Webb, I want them both to succeed and do well. |
| Left Said Fred |
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How do you figure? More than not, western athletes are much more serious about everything regarding the sport than their East African counterparts. |
| Dimitri |
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I think he's just lying to himself to try and not get too worked up over it, kind of like when someone at a race says "this is only a workout".....deep down he probably feels it. |
| Slumdog Billionaire |
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Whatever, he's just keeping the pressure off. He sounds like the polar opposite of Webb. |
| LEWW |
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He will not make the Olympic Team with an attitude like he has right now. |
| sarcasm detector: activate |
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You guys are right, his attitude is way wrong. He should be way more serious and focused. Unless he feels tons of pressure and is thinking about making the team 24/7 then there is no way he makes it. |
| the clarifier |
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Never watched him work out, have you? |
| Slumdog Billionaire |
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Well given that he's already made an Olympic team, I don't know why he needs to change. Have you made an Olympic team? |
| i kinda like runninhg |
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What does that have to do with anything? Being a workout warrior doesn't mean he's going to be a champion. From what I understand, Alan Webb runs his balls off in training. But he's basically had one season where it appeared as though he was ready to mix it up with the best in the world and get a medal. And even then he got demolished in the final. By the way, I realize criticizing Andrew Wheating (and Alan Webb) is pointless for a nobody like myself who has never been to the Olympics. But armchair quarterbacking from fans of the sport is the reality of professional athletics, and I have no shame in offering my opinions on a runners forum. So argue my points if you like, but don't give me this bullshit about how I'll never be as good Wheating. I know that already. |
| i kinda like running |
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Oh. He made the Olympic team 4 years ago so clearly he doesn't need to change anything? He's reached the pinnacle of his career already huh? The dude has run 3:30. He sure as hell better make the Olympic team with talent like that. But as I've already stated, having the talent to run fast times doesn't mean you're gonna medal at the Olympics. Something like that takes mental sharpness and hunger. I'm not sure Wheating has what it takes. And no, I haven't made an Olympic team. I suck way too much for that to ever happen. What's your point? And how does that invalidate my point? |
| last chance |
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I think he's just saying that making the team takes on a different level of importance when it's your last chance. How many of you really stressed over making it to States when you were a sophomore in high school? How many of you stressed over making it to States and performing well when you were a senior? (Or substitute Nationals and college). The Olympics is obviously a bigger deal, but it's the same idea. I don't think he's trying to say that making it to the Olympics now isn't a big deal for him. He's just saying that the real stress will come the next time around. |
| Option no. 2 |
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I amn't sure that you are right. He is a relaxed kinda guy. And in some cases he can even be slightly childish or excitable (e.g. the video on flotrack when he ran the 3.30 he was jumping and giddy -- who wouldn't be). He knows that he is at his best when he takes a light-hearted approach to things. Compare him and Torrence. Torrence is obsessed. All the drills. All the self-talk. All the constant pressure about getting A standards. All the talk about having nasty kicks and being able to kick with the best of them. Yup. We all know what Torrence is aiming for. But guess who will come speeding by him with 150m to go at the trials -- Wheating. And guess who will be kicking with the Africans a few weeks later en route to a sub 3.35 in Europe -- Wheating. The guy knows what to do. He has done it before. He will do it again. And to anyone comparing his attitude to East Africans, they clearly have never met/lived with a Kenyan. All those guys do all day is sit and joke around, watch TV, or nap. They never talk about athletics. |
| My2Cents |
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Just because he is goofy off the track doesn't mean he isn't a beast when he puts on his running shoes every day. All of the fastest team mates that I have had have been goofy off the track. They weren't any noobs either. Also, maybe track is a game to him. He may truly enjoy it because it's fun and he loves it because of that. If he loves the game that he's playing just like all other elite athletes (football players, soccer players, swimmers, baseball players) then more power to him. If he doesn't enjoy it and can't have fun with it, then why do it? Everybody in this thread criticizing Wheating for being goofy must be miserable when others have fun running around them. |