VAcoach wrote:
I have to admit a slight chuckle at the Quote of the Day. Symmonds thinks that just because his Beer Mile youtube post has 6000 some odd more views than his olympic trials video, then he is delivering something of greater value to the sport? Rudisha's London Gold WR has over 610,000 views. Wouldn't this support the notion that better performance trumps gimmick?
In regards to being remembered for 30 years (if it even matters) take a look at Steve Scott. He won a silver medal at the innaugural world championships, held the American record in the Mile for decades, and holds an obscure record (most sub four miles in history.) That's the sort of resume Symmonds is looking for. A WC Silver, a tough American Record, and an obscure but memorable record.
He's the sort of runner who will have a cult following for years. Not a big name high school runner. Not a DI stud. But a guy who kept grinding, and became a multi-time US champion, a global medalist, and hopefully, an American record holder.
He'll be remembered 30 years from now. Guarantee it, and when they interview him in 2043, looking back at his triumphs, I also guarantee that with a chuckle, the reporter will bring up the beer mile.
The Beer Mile should be an official IAAF event - Just imagine how much funnier the Diamond League Meets would be - And what money Destilly Sponsors could bring to the sport - Heck, in Belgium they'd probably give you a top notch Ale already when you entered the arena as a spectator! :-)
Make list of 32 year olds that are in top form in the 800ms. It is a pretty short list.
Ben L Wrong wrote:
Pointing Out the Obvious wrote:
Symmonds does not have the option of setting a new WR in the 800. Nor does he have the option of winning an Olympic Gold. As such, his best chance for "lasting fame" lies in the Beer Mile.
What if Rudisha retires before 2016? Symmonds almost beat Aman, and dominated Solomon.
No signals of Nigel Amos last year (I think he was injured in World University Games), no signals of Kitum...and subpar performances from young Kenyans (Jeremiah Mutai, Ferguson, Rotich, Anthony Chemut, etc)
Where is Andrews? Where is Cas Loxsom?
'But your worth is determined by the product you put on the track, and Symmonds has a good product.'
Jerk!
'But your worth is determined by the product you put on the track, and Symmonds has a good product.'
Jerk!
Nick Symmonds is a friend of mine (I edited his training book), and one reason that he's such an interesting character is that he sees the fun in serious things and the seriousness in fun things. This is a great example in at least three ways:
His tone in that blog post is faux-serious. "I truly feel this is a record that should be held by an American." Come on.
Although he's exaggerating in the post, he's serious about adding innovative and fun touches to the sport that will make it more entertaining.
He'll give a full effort to crushing the beer-mile record.
The record will stay in a country that actually makes real beer.
Does it Matter? wrote:
In regards to being remembered for 30 years (if it even matters) take a look at Steve Scott. He won a silver medal at the innaugural world championships, held the American record in the Mile for decades, and holds an obscure record (most sub four miles in history.) That's the sort of resume Symmonds is looking for. A WC Silver, a tough American Record, and an obscure but memorable record.
He's the sort of runner who will have a cult following for years. Not a big name high school runner. Not a DI stud. But a guy who kept grinding, and became a multi-time US champion, a global medalist, and hopefully, an American record holder.
He'll be remembered 30 years from now. Guarantee it, and when they interview him in 2043, looking back at his triumphs, I also guarantee that with a chuckle, the reporter will bring up the beer mile.
In regards to being remembered for 30 years (if it even matters) take a look at Steve Scott. He won a silver medal at the innaugural world championships, held the American record in the Mile for decades, and holds an obscure record (most sub four miles in history.) That's the sort of resume Symmonds is looking for. A WC Silver, a tough American Record, and an obscure but memorable record.
He's the sort of runner who will have a cult following for years. Not a big name high school runner. Not a DI stud. But a guy who kept grinding, and became a multi-time US champion, a global medalist, and hopefully, an American record holder.
He'll be remembered 30 years from now. Guarantee it, and when they interview him in 2043, looking back at his triumphs, I also guarantee that with a chuckle, the reporter will bring up the beer mile. (quote)
he was a state champion in high school so STFU no one has yet pulled off the title of being a nobody runner in high school only to become elite and no Brian sell does not count with his 4:28 mile
not to mention although not "D1 stud" he is top rank in history for d3 so he could have been a D1 stud if he went to a d1 school
Off the track, Symmonds has dated Paris Hilton. Symmonds has been called the "Brad Pitt" of track.
He is the part owner of a tanning salon.
If Nick's agent is smart, he is talking to TV execs. This is just the sort of "track" that Joe Sixpack will eat up and love to watch. Not quite a reality series per say, but a one off show that would be interesting to watch. And I can totally see Joe Sixpack thinking it looks easy and going out and trying it!
SMJO wrote:
Sure I did. I started running that year and was an 800m runner. The next year Cruz won the Olympics and I was very aware that he was the guy that got third the year before.
this
Nick misses the point as I watched the youtube of the Beer Mile but have never watched some of the other races as I watched them live, seen TV replays and have it DVR/DVD. I am sure many are like me and giving the Beer Mile more #s as like most youtube things you click to watch someone make a fool of himself.
Glad to see some people are engaging the point of my post...let me attempt to highlight my point.
I think Symmonds attitude is healthy and good for running, I wish more runners would loosen up and have fun. However, Symmonds and Solomon are the best shot we have in the near future to challenging East African runners. I hope that his extra curricular activities don't interfere with his pursuit of excellence because at the end of the day, excellence is the best marketing tool.
A beer mile isn't supposed to be run fast. It's supposed to be run fun. It would be like saying I want to set the WR at one of those tough mudder obstacle course races. It just does not matter.
SMJO wrote:
The record will stay in a country that actually makes real beer.
Symmonds is a breath of fresh air.
