From the article on the front page:
"Now he has set his sights on the 2012 Olympic games in London. The athlete is looking to compete in the triathlon in 2012, with a goal of winning a gold medal in 2016."
I thought he was also quoted as saying that if he went to college to run, he was deciding to totally focus on running (and thus pretty much dropping the triathlon?). WTF, man!?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8237103/chicagoarea_triathlete_lukas_verzbicas.html?cat=14
He knows his limits and his goal(s) aren't lofty.
That article certainly seems to contradict his stated aims in collegiate running.
Wow! He will definitely win the running part of the Triathlon easily. He just needs to work on the swimming and biking and he should have no problem bringing home at least a bronze medal.
FACEBOOK:
Lukas Verzbicas
Full time runner at University of Oregon starting in September, just so I'm clear with everyone.
That article used old information and had no quotes. Not credible in the slightest.
I seriously doubt the Oregon coaches will be ok with LV doing any high level tri training during the x-country and track seasons.
Adam C wrote:
I seriously doubt the Oregon coaches will be ok with LV doing any high level tri training during the x-country and track seasons.
I do not agree with ^^^. I bet the Oregon coaches will be just fine with LV continuing with his Tri training during college. It obviously works for him (he's super fast in HS with doing Tri training) and all athletes are different. Good coaches cater their training to specific needs. Oregon will be perfectly happy with LV representing the college in XC and Track while also doing some Tri on the side.
Look at that schools history, Chappa had his own coach - Oregon didn't care. Rupp had his own coach - Oregon didn't care. LV may still do Tri - Oregon won't care.
In a recent article, his parents (who have been coaching him) commented that he is now Oregon's "problem" (meant jokingly, but means they are no longer coaching him for tris). Unless UO has somebody who coaches triathlon, it would seem he's on a running-only path (albeit with some cross-training perhaps to keep injuries down).
My gf has a whooty! wrote:
Adam C wrote:I seriously doubt the Oregon coaches will be ok with LV doing any high level tri training during the x-country and track seasons.
I do not agree with ^^^. I bet the Oregon coaches will be just fine with LV continuing with his Tri training during college. It obviously works for him (he's super fast in HS with doing Tri training) and all athletes are different. Good coaches cater their training to specific needs. Oregon will be perfectly happy with LV representing the college in XC and Track while also doing some Tri on the side.
Look at that schools history, Chappa had his own coach - Oregon didn't care. Rupp had his own coach - Oregon didn't care. LV may still do Tri - Oregon won't care.
Chapa had his own coach? Are your referring to Cruz?
Verzbicas has always been very realistic about his goals.
In an interview his Sophomore year (technically last year since he's graduating early), he stated that he has much greater aspirations in the Triathlon than in running, because he's aware that running is heavily dominated by the East Africans.
Running of course, is his favorite (and best) leg of the Triathlon, but even so, his swimming and biking are strong enough to make him a serious threat to the international triathlon community.
This becomes even clearer when you compare his running and triathlon accomplishments side-by-side.
Running:
2-time IL State Cross Country Champion
2-time National Footlocker Champion
Nike Cross Nationals Champion
2-time Indoor 5k National Champion
Indoor 2 Mile National Champion
Indoor Mile National Champion
Current National High School 2-Mile Recordholder
Current National High School Indoor 5k Recordholder
Triathlons:
4th Place in the Junior World Triathlon Championships
Junior World Duathlon Champion
2-time Pan-American Triathlon Champion
2-time National Youth Elite Triathlon Champion
From the perspective of International Competitions, Verzbicas will have a very hard time dealing with the East Africans as a runner, and will have a far better chance of becoming a dominant force in the Triathlons
I'm skeptical of that reporting. There are no quotes of Lukas or any evidence the reporter talked to him or his family. She cites an outdated article over a year old.
On the other hand, I do wonder if Oregon will negotiate a training regimen that will let him continue some swim training and generally work toward developing as a triathlete even while running is his first priority.
The article is way off base- qualifying slots for 2012 are to be determined following a series of ITU races, and he's not even entered. http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/07/news/nine-u-s-triathletes-to-chase-2012-olympic-spots-next-month-in-london_34231
I saw the article and didn't believe it. There are no new direct quotes from Lukas. I doubt it's true at all
It's true. Looks like it was written by some wannabe sports writer. Did you click on her photo at the top of the story? Woof.
Those "yahoo" writers are just what they sound like. They take info off the web and "re-purpose" it for their own use.
Re-purpose = plagiarize.
Everything that chick has posted in the last week came straight off the Associated Press wire.
She gets paid by the click for her "stories."
It was worse writing then what you will find in a HS newspaper. Definitely just throw that article in the trash.
People who think LV is such a dominant tri guy are delusional when it comes to understanding just how less competitive the overall tri scene in in comparison to big time running. Think about it....how many of you know a HS kid who is a serious tri athlete? Exactly!
yet they still award 3 medals for the sport at the olympics. . .
But he will compete for Lithuania, right?