If he's really the generational talent most think he is, there's a good argument to chalk this year up as a great developmental year and shut him down. It's true that nothing is guaranteed and he may never make it back to this level, but that's an awfully pessimistic view.
Still, if he's having fun and his body is holding up, I don't see him passing on the opportunity.
For a non-political post, this is one of the stupidest posts I have ever read on Letsrun, and I've been reading these boards for the past 8 years (only registered a few years ago). Definitely top-tier stupid.
Some would argue the whole goal of our sport is to win the Olympics or World Championships - the pinnacle of our sport each year. You want him to forgo that opportunity so he can get an early jump on a team next year and/or beyond? Nothing in this sport is guaranteed. He may miss the next team or God forbid he gets hurt. You take every chance you get.
You could make an argument (albeit a poor one) that going to Tokyo in HS didn't help Ryun. He may have been better off getting a solid base for his senior as he finished in last place in his semi. After struggling in Mexico and falling in Munich, his Olympic career ended without a medal despite his dominance in 66 and 67.
You could make an argument (albeit a poor one) that going to Tokyo in HS didn't help Ryun. He may have been better off getting a solid base for his senior as he finished in last place in his semi. After struggling in Mexico and falling in Munich, his Olympic career ended without a medal despite his dominance in 66 and 67.
His career ended with a silver medal.
The issue with Ryun was allergies and a poor sense of balance (hence the falls). Not a long track season during his senior year of high school.
I agree with the OP. Lutkenhaus has been competing at a high level since January. It has been a long season. Time to shut it down. Rest up. Hang out at the water park with friends. He is a 16 year old kid. His physical and mental health should be prioritized.
shutting it down isnt a bad idea
then again, if you follow in Ryans path, you make sure you burn out hitting it way too hard,
I agree with the OP. Lutkenhaus has been competing at a high level since January. It has been a long season. Time to shut it down. Rest up. Hang out at the water park with friends. He is a 16 year old kid. His physical and mental health should be prioritized.
shutting it down isnt a bad idea
then again, if you follow in Ryans path, you make sure you burn out hitting it way too hard,
I’d much rather have had Ryun’s career than none at all. High school records, American records, world records briefly, and a silver medal. I mean, who among us is even still competing after age 25? Very, very few…
Lutkenhaus is going to worlds… he’s not going to pass on the opportunity and he shouldn’t. That’s silly talk. Just like if Nike waves $10 million total over 10 years in his face, he has to take it and forego high school and collegiate competition.
However, if I’m being totally honest, I was hoping he’d run just under 1:44 for like 5th place. Just off the podium and end the season. But, alas, he didn’t and here we are…
Seize the day. There is no guarantee that he will get another shot at a WC , and never at a WC as a 16 year old. Anything can happen next year. Injuries could stack up, personal issues could beset him, he may burn out, the magic could just disappear (not that he's suddenly a 1:50 runner, but maybe he's just a 1:44 runner).
All this seems unlikely. He seems destined for greatness. However, nothing is guaranteed in life. Other than he has a ticket now for a WC and he should take it and then try to build on that.
Seize the day and squeeze the day.
The kid is a best. He'll come out of this way better
then again, if you follow in Ryans path, you make sure you burn out hitting it way too hard,
I’d much rather have had Ryun’s career than none at all. High school records, American records, world records briefly, and a silver medal. I mean, who among us is even still competing after age 25? Very, very few…
Lutkenhaus is going to worlds… he’s not going to pass on the opportunity and he shouldn’t. That’s silly talk. Just like if Nike waves $10 million total over 10 years in his face, he has to take it and forego high school and collegiate competition.
However, if I’m being totally honest, I was hoping he’d run just under 1:44 for like 5th place. Just off the podium and end the season. But, alas, he didn’t and here we are…
He could take $10M from Nike and still run in college.