I never remember seeing so many arrogant displays at a high-level event like the World Championships. Even previous Olympics were better. Is it just that the newer (younger) runners bring more arrogance to the track? I think it's disappointing.
I never remember seeing so many arrogant displays at a high-level event like the World Championships. Even previous Olympics were better. Is it just that the newer (younger) runners bring more arrogance to the track? I think it's disappointing.
I think a certain degree of arrogance is necessary for success in track and field. You need to think that you can beat anyone, anytime you step on the track. I know personally the confidence (even over-confidence) that i've acquired from the sport had been instrumental in my success off of the track.
I agree with you that some arrogance may be necessary for success at the highest level in many sports (not just running). However, I think that maybe some folks could do a better job of hiding it. Is it possible to be arrogant and now show it?
Why hide it if its there? It is not necessarily a bad thing is it? They are not harming anyone.
KUFI wrote:
I think a certain degree of arrogance is necessary for success in track and field. You need to think that you can beat anyone, anytime you step on the track. I know personally the confidence (even over-confidence) that i've acquired from the sport had been instrumental in my success off of the track.
Confidence is certainly necessary for success. Arrogance is not. It's a thin line, but a line nonetheless.
agantz wrote:
I never remember seeing so many arrogant displays at a high-level event like the World Championships. Even previous Olympics were better. Is it just that the newer (younger) runners bring more arrogance to the track? I think it's disappointing.
you might not have been paying attention to the years Jon Drummond, Maurice Green, Bernard what's his name, and other HSI athletes were on top of their game. It was truly the era of arrogance and showmanship.
I believe it makes the sport look bad in the eyes of the viewing public. If runners weren't so arrogant, would more people watch on TV? Would more sponsors step up to the plate? I have no idea - these are hypothetical questions.
agantz wrote:
I believe it makes the sport look bad in the eyes of the viewing public. If runners weren't so arrogant, would more people watch on TV? Would more sponsors step up to the plate? I have no idea - these are hypothetical questions.
It hasn't hurt the NBA or NFL...
that is because most americans are so freaking low class when it comes to their expectations in sport.
Sports are entertainment. Confidence, over confidence and arrogance are entertaining.
agantz wrote:
I believe it makes the sport look bad in the eyes of the viewing public. If runners weren't so arrogant, would more people watch on TV? Would more sponsors step up to the plate? I have no idea - these are hypothetical questions.
it's the complete opposite. Sure, Nike et al. don't want to be throwing money and a loose cannon but they for sure want someone who is going to draw some attention to their brand rather than sift and lurk in the background of the sport.
Ya, Bolt's mannerisms are somewhat childish and pretty goofy but do you think Puma wants him to stand stoicly on the start blocks and blast away at the record books... um, nope.
And yes, as said above, the American showboating from the early to middle of this decade was head and shoulders worse than any goofy Carribean kid in Berlin.
Dignity and quiet confidence is dead and buried.
Every tool who received a single second of TV time seemed to feel as if was necessary to act like they were at a high school (middle school?) meet and had just had a big sugar high from eating the garbage from the concession stand.
Not everyone was a tool in front of the camera. I think most athletes at the WC acted very professionally.
What displays of arrogance is the OP referring to?