Calirunfun79 wrote:
NP was due for a sub-par performance, as some have mentioned. To keep four highly tuned athletes at peak/near-peak racing levels for months on end requires not only exceptional coaching and athlete discipline & commitment, but also sheer luck. It's also worth noting that they trained through this DMR, after doubling and tripling two days earlier in a dual meet (Colin: 50/4:18/4 x 400 leg in 3:28 total; Aaron: 51/4:18/4 x 400 leg; Lex 4:18/4 x 400 leg; Zaki 2:01/4 x 400 leg).
They have nothing left to prove in terms of being the greatest 3200/5K collection of team talent in US prep history. For me, the most notable thing about this weekend was how the boys handled themselves afterwards during an interview conducted via DyeStat:
DyeStat.com - Videos - Newbury Park 1st Place Boys Invitational Distance Medley Relay - State Record 9:55.24 - Mt. SAC Relays 2022Yes, there was some attributing their sub-par performance to the strong winds (that were blowing during the interview) and to the difficulty of racing solo, but that's par for the course when being media-interviewed after a (somewhat) disappointing performance. What impressed me was how Lex and Colin still emphasized the fun and camaraderie involved, and how it was great to include B-squad member Zaki in on the fun (and Zaki seemed appreciative of the opportunity).
When you consider how much media attention and pressure (some of it self-induced) these young people are under week to week, it's remarkable how down-to-earth they remain. They could have spent the entire interview complaining about the wind, or Leo's absence, or what have you, but they ultimately stressed the positive. They remind us that this is just sport, and life is awesome when you're hanging out with friends while doing interesting stuff with excellence.
Well said
