OK in the 1st degree wrote:
He was no longer her coach when he made those comments.
Incorrect and irrelevant to my argument, in any case.
Cook made those comments to her privately while he was still her coach. Then read his comments publicly after he was no longer her coach. Both parties agree that there was a loss of confidence and/or trust.
It's very simple. In addition to technical expertise, a coach needs to inspire confidence in an athlete. Pretty hard to be your best if you're not confident, eh?
Perhaps Donahue won't go sub 4:00. She can probably still improve. There are better and equally realistic ways for a coach to moderate goals.
Now re-read the original quote again:
Said Donohue: "I expressed to Coach Cook my goals for the next four years [running under 4:00 in the 1,500 and being in contention for a medal for the 2012 Olympics] and my willingness to work harder to reach them. He told me that I'm not talented enough to run that fast and that he doesn't want to work toward goals [that] he believes are unattainable. He told me officially on Monday, Jan. 19, that he would not coach me anymore. And I agreed that he probably shouldn't be my coach if he thinks I can't get much better."
Cook, who has made friends and foes with his directness, countered: "The fact [is] that Erin does not make it with Shannon. It is not Shannon's fault. [Shannon] is a really nice person. Erin needs to know she is only as good as she is. There will be not 4:00. That is a dream."