relatable mom content wrote:
Maybe we can be completely on the same page if you help me understand how the situation is working well.
I wanted a crack at this because it’s a fair question / issue… actually more than that, it’s one that AW and the people that she listens to should be regularly considering. Like you said, she could be positioned very soon to earn a good amount, particularly with an Oly year coming up in which she actually does have a legit shot in the 8 or 15 (or both?). And, you are right to point out that getting to or staying at the top is by no means a given. No one knows what all can happen in another 4 years, though I wish her a long and super stellar career.
That being the case, I think it’s important to consider her overall well-being first. Beyond just looking at her like a person first and runner second, her emotional and psychological health will affect her running for better or worse (and I think already has). There are a number of people who subscribe to the notion that since she was a victim of Nick’s inappropriate advances that she necessarily has been scarred beyond rehabilitation and is now some sort of zombie who is just following orders. From where I sit, that doesn’t describe Addy at all. She certainly listens and does the work, but she is definitely her own person. Even if you just watch her interviews, she is not a beaten down drone that can’t look the interviewer in the eyes or is overwhelmed. She engages better than most full-grown adults.
Beyond having a copious amount of family support, she has the school, church, friends, and the entire freakin’ city’s support (save for a few who may be jealous of her success). Full-On, 100%. Everyone knows who she is and would drop just about anything to help her if she asked. They care for her, but yeah, her running is a big deal. In a sense, the city is a year or two ahead of where the country will be in regards to Addy Wiley. The issues with Nick not controlling himself was 3 years ago. She’s grown up a lot since then, and a lot has changed. The issue of “but her safety” (stupid posturing and signaling) is laughable on its face. All that mess insofar that it includes Wiley, is way far back in the rearview mirror.
Financially, while I don’t think it is nearly comparable to what she will earn (hopefully sooner than later), a full-ride at Huntington is not nothing, especially in the NW Indiana area. In addition to that, I believe the college’s individual athletic programs can crowdsource NIL money. It won’t be shoe sponsorship $, but suffice it to say that she is doing ok for herself for now. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the city itself didn’t kick in a few thousand under the case that her name being associated with Huntington is worth some marketing / goodwill.
Running-wise, I think the results speak for themselves. The trolls would say that it’s illegitimate, but I would practically bet my life that she’s clean (and I value my life a lot lol). She has too big of plans both medium and long term, and would not jeopardize them. The other Huntington athletes understand what’s what and the special talent that she is, so there is no drama there. The guys are able to keep up - at least for now. In time (which I trust her and her confidants to determine wisely), I believe that it will be advisable for her to move for a time to a different location. There is a reason for CU, Flagstaff, etc., and a change in coaches would likely be good, just as it is for most athletes. That said, it will be tough to match the overall support (non-financial), and I don’t think anyone needs explaining how a long move away from home for a young person, regardless of who they are, can be dicey and take awhile to adjust to.
IMO, it would be lame if her gaining broad acceptance in the running world (when she ought to be cherished) required her moving. Ironically, I think the petty clique-ishness of others could actually compel her to stay home for longer.
Forget about the past! Give AW a shot… she deserves it!