Opinion & Viewpoint: Sports

Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts

Friday, January 3, 2025

Happy New Year 2025!

Wishing a very Happy New Year 2025!

Looking forward!

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Must Stay Positive – Cannot Give Up!

With heartfelt gratitude, I have competed in the 2023 Masters’ indoor track and field season. I had a bad hamstring pull and knee problems. All through the months of April and May, I focused on stretching, regularly putting ice, and daily training for the 2023 Masters’ outdoor track and field season. Key emphasis is on the 50 meters, 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and hopefully the 400 meters.

I am daily maintaining focus on spirituality, maintaining holistic wellness and wellbeing, and a sustainable positive lifestyle with proper nutrition, rest, exercise, balance, and motivation. Besides health, I have also added increased emphasis on strength and fitness by doing regular resistance training. I am going to the nearby fitness gym to do upper- and lower-body weight training. I am also doing stairs twice a week at the nearby high school track.

I am doing my best to daily hydrate well along with lots of fruits and vegetables as well as minimizing consumption of processed foods. I have totally stopped all carbonated beverages. In addition, I am doing my best to stay away from foods with high sugar, high salt, processed flour, deep-fried food, as well as any fast-food.

Also, as always, continually boosting my immune system and always be highly mindful, live in the moment, continually generate positive thoughts, words, deeds, have good habits, and radiate positive energy. I am always staying positive and always going to cross the finish line.

Fight On!

The purpose of any and all mentoring, focusing on holistic wellness, health, sports, fitness, nutrition, yoga, ayurveda and related is to promote healthy lifestyles and balance between Spirit-Mind-Body. This includes any and all associated proven processes, methods, techniques, therapies which may also include educational purposes with the goal of creating awareness and disseminating information. All information on the Blog in no way precludes the mandatory need for seeking definitive prior advice, diagnosis and/or treatment from a qualified medical physician and/or specialist related to Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s). Prior to starting any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s), it is mandatory to get a thorough examination by a qualified medical physician and/or specialist. In addition, a medical physician and/or specialist’s approval must be obtained prior to undertaking any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program and as well as continual examination(s) by a medical physician and/or specialist during the entire duration and course of undertaking any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s).

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Journey Continues into 2023

It is December 2022 and it has been a very long journey since mid-2017 fighting and battling cancer. In all the various forms and types, cancer is truly an enemy from within and everyone must be vigilant on a 24 hour, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year basis in the fight as well as the battle.

With heartfelt gratitude, I look forward to January 2023 while focusing on spirituality, inward path or "sadhana", yoga, ayurveda, paranayama, staying positive, maintaining holistic wellness via sustainable positive lifestyle with proper nutrition, rest, exercise, balance, and motivation.

Taking nothing for granted, also focus on regular fitness, training, and hopefully competing in indoor and outdoor track and field events – while adhering to overall health, wellness, and wellbeing. Also, continually boosting my immune system and always be highly mindful, live in the moment, continually generate positive thoughts, words, deeds, have good habits, and radiate positive energy.

Most important, continue to do good, be good, see good, giving back and paying it forward. "Life is truly beautiful if we make it so". I'm always staying positive and always going to cross the finish line. Fight On!

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Cancer: A Continual Battle with an Enemy Within

On July 31, I was truly grateful to compete at the 2021 Keystone State Games in Pennsylvania in 400 meters, long jump, 100 meters, 200 meters, and 1500 meters race walk. With heartfelt gratitude I was able to get a gold medal in the 400 meters and the long jump events. I was able to get bronze medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 1500 meters race walk. I'm dedicating all medals in each event to my Dad (and Mom looking down from Heaven above) and the outstanding radiation oncologists and entire medical staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for helping me and supporting me during the long continual battle over the last 4 to 5 years.

Fighting cancer is a continual battle with an enemy which is within. Every individual person has key internal and external influencing factors, determinants, and mechanisms which directly impact their highly complex and integrated immune system response – which is very critical for overall wellness and wellbeing. Internally, each person has their very own unique DNA which intrinsically impacts their body’s various cells, organs, critical subsystems, systems (e.g., central nervous system, neuromuscular system, and metabolic system, etc.), inherent traits, and unique characteristics. Externally, there exists a plethora of environmental factors which include, but not limited to, quality of air/water/food, stresses, personal responsibilities, obligations, liabilities, living conditions, personal interactions and relationships, emotional/mental health, adverse substance abuse/addiction, and many others – all of which directly impact overall health, daily experiences, and lifestyle.

There also exists an important interrelationship, correlation, and balance between the main causes of inflammation and the commensurate immune system response based on the underpinning of positive lifestyle of the specific individual. To enhance the overall wellness and wellbeing, one specific key area of focus must be on the effective boosting of the immune system response. From the onset, it is always very important for each and every individual person to consult with highly qualified allopathic medical professionals on the different available pathways to boosting the individual immune system response - through innovative treatment, therapies along with medication - if required.

Along with the various allopathic methodologies and approaches for treatment and associated therapies, integrated alternative holistic approaches may also supplement, support, and assist in effectively the boosting immune system response. Depending on everyone’s specific needs and choices, a customized holistic strategy and plan can be developed incorporating international (e.g., eastern and western) best practices and implemented to improve overall wellness and wellbeing. The main underlying driver throughout the entire lifecycle process is to: always be highly mindful, live in the moment, continually stay positive, generate positive thoughts, have good habits, and radiate positive energy.

I'm always staying positive and always going to cross the finish line. Fight On!

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Congrats to USC Women's Track & Field in 2021 NCAA Championships

A very big congratulations to the amazing Coach Caryl-Smith Gilbert and the University of Southern California (USC) Women's Track & Field program!

The USC Women's Track & Field team wins its second NCAA Outdoor Championships in three seasons! Also, the team scored the most points ever at the NCAA Outdoor Championships!

Go Trojans!

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Cancer: Just Cannot Be Afraid, but, Stay Positive!

It has been over two years journey so far on this long and winding road. For the original cancer diagnosis, I did not opt for surgery, chemotherapy, standard radiation, but underwent high dose radiation treatment and resulting painful side effects with fatigue and other related issues. I must go back in September for another MRI and biopsy to verify and validate any spread in the region. Most recently, I had to get a skin biopsy. The oncologists are doing their best and I am truly grateful for their efforts.

On my personal side, there has been an increased focus on maintaining a positive lifestyle based on proper diet with good nutrition to improve my immune system, try to get more rest, ample exercise, while doing my best to maintaining proper balance and motivation. It is very hard sometimes, however, I just cannot be afraid, make excuses, but, stay positive and move forward.

Most important and key positive enabler is the outstanding moral support from family, friends, and the entire global track & field (athletics) community consisting of coaches and fellow athletes. I am truly grateful for all the encouragement and guidance to keep focus on the essential elements in battling cancer: Character, Health, Fitness, Training, and Competition.

I am not going to give up and keep going. Going to try and do my best to continually train and compete in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters. I will always remember the great words of the legendary Coach Vern Wolfe, our former head track & field coach at University of Southern California, “Always believe in the power within you. Life is truly wonderful.”. Also, the most precious words of Coach F. Eugene Driver III, our head coach and President of the Trojan Masters Track Club, “always finish first in your lane”. I realize more than anything else that Life is more about just “always crossing the finish line, no matter what - that itself is victory.”

I constantly pray for all my fellow human beings worldwide during their own Life journey as they battle cancer. My thoughts and prayers will be for them always.

The journey of Life is not over until it is really over…I am going to stay positive and keep moving forward and never ever look backward.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Ongoing Fight with Cancer

"Life is truly beautiful - believe it and experience it"

It is now nearly two years with the initial diagnosis of cancer. The journey has been long, arduous, many times uphill, with lots of uncertainty, sometimes much doubt, and many times taking it one-day-at-a-time. Throughout, some key influencing factors require continual focus, attention, and plenty of mindfulness. These include, but not limited to, making definitive and constructive lifestyle changes with emphasis on a proper diet, nutrition, rest, exercise, balance, and motivation - taking a "holistic" approach.

Source: Trojan Masters Track Club

During the entire process, it was and continues to be essential to seek and undergo the required professional medical expertise, effective medical counseling, getting multiple independent professional opinions, key biopsies, and focused treatments and therapies. Making time and taking time in maintaining the day-to-day routines, disciplines, ups and downs, as well as attending to critical appointments with doctors and specialists.

An important area which continues to be essential is ensuring maintaining proper overall health, fitness, and training. Particular attention in getting proper hydration, vitamins and nutrients, ample strength and resistance training, and enough stretching and flexibility exercises. Most importantly keeping a close eye on the various forms of fatigue and stresses (metabolic, neuro-muscular, and central nervous system), and staying within the resulting pain threshold - knowing my limitations.

Also, I cannot ever look back at the past, must be continually mindful of the present, and not get too overwhelmed by the future which is totally unknown. Moreover, never ever feel sorry for myself, yet be grateful for each and every day as a blessing and one more chance to be a better human being and person. Always continually praying for others who may be also undergoing battle with cancer and other illnesses.

In addition, I must get back to regular competitive running which is very helpful in setting timely fitness and training routines, achievable goals for meets, events, and times, and making positive forward progress - keep moving ahead and never look back.

Source: Trojan Masters Track Club

It is time for me to get back to a sound balance of aerobic training via longer distance running, anaerobic training via high intensity intervals, and speed training via starting blocks, strides, and wind-sprints. I must make sure to do ample hills or stairs training at least couple of times per week. I am going to focus and plan to compete outdoors in key events; 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters - hopefully get a chance someday to compete in 800 meters.

Come what may, it really does not matter much what the future holds, however, it is what is done in the present which can potentially make a difference in the near-term, short-term, and eventually the medium-term and long-term future. Fight On!

Monday, November 26, 2018

Go Baker Mayfield!

Great game by Baker Mayfield! Browns vs. Bengals

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Staying Positive into 2018…

As the New Year 2018 dawns, in retrospect, it has been a challenging journey over the last one year in dealing with the various multiple tests for cancer markers, biopsy, MRI scans, preparation for treatment and subsequently undergoing high dose radiation treatment. Further, addressing and moving forward with daily, weekly, monthly next steps in tackling both side effects and additional symptoms on a 24/7 basis.

Looking ahead into 2018, my journey continues, but, it is important to focus on staying positive and taking definitive steps with proper lifestyle, diet, rest, exercise, balance and motivation. In addition, getting back to definitive emphasis on health, fitness, training and hopefully competing again soon.

Each and every hour, day, and week, I am thankful I to have another chance and to make it to the next moment which lies just ahead. Cannot look back, but, only forward. It has been said that the past is not recoverable at all, the future is totally unknown, for it is the present which total contains both the past and the future, and, it is the present which truly matters in making a difference.

Staying positive into 2018…

Saturday, April 22, 2017

A New Journey: Staying Positive with Cancer

My last competitive Masters Track races were in Woodbridge New Jersey in mid-September 2016 in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters. I kept training and focused on the upcoming 2017 indoor Masters Track events which start in early January and continue into late March. I was really looking forward to competing in the 60 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters.

September 9, 2016 - Woodbridge, New Jersey, USA

On a cold fall Saturday, in October 2016, I went to my primary care physician for a complete physical exam with the normal routine of tests. Based on the results, all key parameters seemed within the various limits and I really felt good about it. I read further and on the last page of the report, I noticed my PSA levels were very high. Accordingly, my doctor recommended that I see a local urologist and thus got a referral and made the appointment.

During a span of the next three (3) months, I went and met three (3) different urologists and got varying opinions and viewpoints. I also got additional tests done, an MRI, and finally got a biopsy. I was mentally prepared to just be brave and braced myself to accept whatever the results may turn out to be. The results of the MRI and biopsy indicated I tested positive. Upon hearing the news, at that instantaneous moment, I did not feel any emotion, took a deep breath and just kept thinking of the “C” word – Cancer.

September 9, 2016 - Woodbridge, New Jersey, USA

Thereafter, over the next few days, it felt as if I had hit a brick wall. Deep in the back of my mind, I just kept on thinking and saying to myself to just stay positive and I must go through whatever hurdles I need to go through to get over this new bump-in-the-road, a new hurdle, and a new challenge.

Thanks to my closest family, friends, colleagues, teammates and inspiring coaches at Trojan Masters Track Club and USC Track & Field Program, with deep introspect, I renewed my inner faith.

I have duly accepted to be responsible to myself and those around me. I made a commitment to seek-out, listen, understand and appreciate the guidance and advice of proper doctors, latest state-of-the-art science and technology, implement proper lifestyle changes (diet/nutrition, rest, balance, and motivation) and most importantly – overcome fear. A new journey has now started for me and I can never ever look back. I realize I must keep walking forward, step-by-step, stay positive and, Fight On!

Friday, March 3, 2017

NCAA Basketball's "March Madness"

It is nearing that time of the year when all eyes will be focussed on the collegiate basketball.

Looking forward to the start of 2017 "March Madness".

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Character Can Overcome Adversity

Over the last eight (8) plus years, it has been a very long, tedious, grueling, often frustrating and winding road for the USC Trojans Football program. So many ups and downs, including but not limited to, multiple changes in coaches; coaching staff; crippling NCAA sanctions; reduction in scholarships and; the list goes on and on. For a historic program, full of heritage and legend, USC Trojans Football brings great memories of Coach Howard Jones, Coach John McKay and the various players, people and personalities surrounding the prestigious and elite USC Athletics program. In addition, the incredible and amazing memories of the most awesome games, close finishes, and breathtaking feats. Today’s global media has an excellent digital footprint for the public record on all of the above and it can be readily accessed from anywhere and anytime on 24/7 basis.

USC Coach Clay Helton
Source: www.LarryBrownSports.com

Beyond the hype, glitz, glamour, fame and fortune, many times it’s not what we just see on the outside which is only a resultant, but, the inherent and intrinsic “unseen” which actually determines what we think, speak and ultimately do in our daily lives which makes all of Life so precious. Whether it is just walking on the USC campus, Howard Jones practice field or Heritage Hall, the awe inspiring sights, sounds, environment, atmosphere…it’s the power of the USC Trojans that radiates. One can witness firsthand by seeing it in the eyes, the words, the feelings, the emotions, the pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence with the realization of the full utilization and potential of one’s own inherent and innate natural talents, skillsets and core competencies…always doing your best and leaving the rest.

USC Quarterback Sam Darnold
Source: www.SportingNew.com

Just looking back at nearly the last one (1) decade, through the adversities, trials, tribulations, doubts, fears, and so on, USC Trojans Football is now back. Even in late September 2016, there continued many doubts and words of despair. What is it that made USC Trojans Football overcome and prevail? What is it that made them win every game while starting off with a three (3) loss record with losses to top-ranked Alabama, Stanford and Utah? It is just good coaching or just playing purely fundamentals of football? These and many more questions which cannot be just answered from looking outward, but, inward.

USC All Purpose Offensive & Defensive Player Adoree Jackson
Source: www.FoxSports.com

It has been said over time immemorial, all that we see is nothing but a reflection, reaction and resound of our inner being – that which cannot be defined, not described, but, is in each and everyone one of us, regardless of whatever we are on the outside or walk of life or where we came from. Further, on overcoming adversity, a former great USC coach once said, it is not always about falling down in Life, but, getting up each and every time and never looking back.

Yes, it is true that No. 9 ranked USC Trojans Football earned their way and will play in the 103^rd Rose Bowl Game on January 2, 2017, “The Granddaddy of Them All” versus Big 10 Conference Champion No. 5 ranked Penn State which has also undergone its own journey of trials and tribulations.

103rd Rose Bowl Game
Source: www.AmericaJR.us

Regardless of the outcome, it is not just about winning or loosing a college football bowl game which is an annual sports event. There is something more, something that poets may write verses about, artists may paint about…the power of the human spirit to be inclusive, collective, collaborative, come together with total unity as one seamless cohesive group against all odds and to ultimately prevail.

USC Trojans Football, in its own way, is an example that end-of-the-day, “Character Can Overcome Adversity”. Fight On!

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Eric Liddell: A Role Model

There are just a few weeks away from the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil. Under the current global scenario and events, there is so much happening worldwide which may create seemingly unfathomable dark clouds over the many intangible aspects which provide an inspiring Vision, Mission and Purpose. In addition, at times like this, it is also very important to focus on the inherent positive traits, qualities and attributes which enable true goodwill, sustainability, social responsibility, and empowerment.

Source: www.artist.maestro.fm

The sport of "Athletics" or Track & Field is also undergoing so many controversies, debates, battles, and issues. This core sport, which is one of the premier events of the Olympic Games, will once again be in the spotlight featuring athletes from various corners of the globe and walks-of-life on their journey to athletic glory. Some may break world records, some set Olympic records, some set national records, some with personal records, some with the personal satisfaction of just crossing the finish line, and, others with just the thrill of taking part in the competition.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

At moments like this, there are many names, but, a name keeps standing-out over and over again from the pages of history; “Eric Liddell”. Historically, through various forms of modern media, it is well documented who Eric Liddell was, his accomplishments at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games and dedicated, selfless service and personal sacrifice in China.

Eric Liddell may not have had the “classic” running form of a world-class sprinter in the 100 Meters, 200 Meters or 400 Meters. In fact, it is said that he did not have the prerequisite “GAIT”, nor the biomechanics, nor the bioenergetics, nor the kinesiology of the elite world-record setting Olympic champions of his time. His training, for achieving world-class status, may not have been at par with internationally well accepted sports science, fitness and training standards.

Source: www.legacybreakfast.org

There must be something which made Eric Liddell think, speak and do what he did. For his inspired deeds and accomplishments are indeed not paltry nor meager. In the classrooms he taught or on the stadium tracks he ran or elsewhere in his life, Eric Liddell was “A Role Model”. Speaking a kind word of hope or a kind gesture to a complete stranger or shaking the hand of his rivals and competitors in the locker room or at the starting line prior to each race; this was Eric Liddell.

Looking back, Eric Liddell was not just a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a teacher, a friend, nor a world-class athlete; for all these roles, duties and responsibilities were just an extension of the true innate personality of Eric Liddell. It has been said that the power of the human spirit emanates from deep within each and every one of us; which truly makes us “human”. Also, it has been said that it is not always what we are outside, but, what we really are inside for all is nothing, but, a reflection, reaction, resound of our inner being. So many more books, films, and other forms of media content may come in the future, but, the essence of Eric Liddell is truly what he was inside.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Good Match-Up

The 50th Super Bowl on February 7, 2016 will be a good match-up between Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos and Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.

Source: www.abcactionnews.com

There are many viewpoints and opinions on which quarterback will prevail as well as which is better than the other.

Regardless, both Peyton Manning (39 year-old) and Cam Newton (26 year-old) are good quarterbacks in their own individual skillsets, core competencies, proven track-records and other tangible / intangible factors.

On a given day, it is said that each and every athlete has their good days and otherwise.

May the best quarterback "on-the-field" on February 7 win!

Reference:

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/19029/vote-will-cam-newton-have-a-better-nfl-career-than-peyton-manning

Sunday, October 11, 2015

A Great Day

It is really awesome to see the world-renowned, great sprinter, Usain Bolt, at a recent visit to the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles.

The amazing pictures are so inspiring at Cromwell Field of Usain Bolt with current USC sprint star Andre De Grasse and football star Adoree' Jackson.

There is so much youth talent in track & field which draws continual vision, mission and purpose from great role models such as Usain Bolt.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

An Historical Day in Track & Field

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible!" - Audrey Hepburn

Today, June 27, 2015, marks the 50^th anniversary of an amazing and historical race which took place in global Track & Field.

On June 27, 1965, in San Diego, California U.S.A., Jim Ryun defeated Peter Snell in the one-mile race with a winning time of 3:55.3 (a new high school and U.S. open one-mile record which stood for nearly 36 years until 2001 when broken by Alan Webb who ran 3:53.43).

Source:www.utsandiego.com

It has been said... "Ryun’s thrilling upset of New Zealand’s Peter Snell, the Olympic 1,500- and 800-meter champion, arguably the greatest single achievement ever by an American high school athlete and a pivotal race in the career of a man many still believe is the greatest middle distance talent the world has ever seen.”

For more details, refer to full story in: Miler Jim Ryun's 50-year-old upset of Peter Snell still a magic moment in history

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Holistic Focus on Mitigating Athletic Injuries

Based on recent advances in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Bioenergetics, as well as Biomedical Engineering, much knowledge, experience, maturity and wisdom has been gained in better understanding and appreciation of holistic focus on mitigating athletic injuries. As shown below, as each and every athlete is an “individual” and there are “absolutely no shortcuts to success”, there must be both simultaneous and independent importance given to each of the critical elements in order to reduce risks and mitigate athletic injuries.

As part of Advanced Training, during the last two (2) decades, based on the extensive work done by world-renowned experts such as; Coach Vern Gambetta, Coach Gary Winckler and Dr. Peter G Weyand, increased importance must be given to:

· Developing and building strength of various joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and various soft tissues.

· Effectively mitigate acute / chronic fatigue (Metabollic, Neuro-Muscular, Central Nervous System).

· Incorporating plyometrics, resistance / weights, cross-training (bike / swim), dynamic / static stretching, skills / drills etc. as part of fitness, pre-season / season training and pre-competition.

· Optimize Stride Frequency, Amplitude and Length in order to maximize positive forward Momentum and Linear Velocity, since;

Linear Velocity = Stride (Frequency + Amplitude) x Stride Length

· Depending on specific competitive event and each individual athlete; maximum emphasis on commensurate Force (F) development, production, application wherein;

F_reaction is Minimized

F_impact is Optimal

F_impulse is Maximized

Based on the above, a holistic focus can be developed over a period of time, subject to iterative analysis, to address vital problems / issues in reducing risks and mitigating athletic injuries. This may include, but not limited to, following:

· Identifying the nature of injury

· Understanding the source of injury

· Developing course of corrective action for injury (may avoid / prevent surgery; last resort)

· Assessing impact and resources (time, energy, effort, costs etc.) required for corrective action

· Implementing corrective action for injury

· Next steps and path to full-competition

Finally, focus on prevention rather than just cure may help, in big way, reduce risks and mitigate athletic injuries.

The purpose of any and all mentoring, focusing on holistic wellness, health, sports, fitness, nutrition, yoga, ayurveda and related is to promote healthy lifestyles and balance between Spirit-Mind-Body. This includes any and all associated proven processes, methods, techniques, therapies which may also include educational purposes with the goal of creating awareness and disseminating information. All information on the Website in no way precludes the mandatory need for seeking definitive prior advice, diagnosis and/or treatment from a qualified medical physician and/or specialist related to Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s). Prior to starting any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s), it is mandatory to get a thorough examination by a qualified medical physician and/or specialist. In addition, a medical physician and/or specialist’s approval must be obtained prior to undertaking any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program and as well as continual examination(s) by a medical physician and/or specialist during the entire duration and course of undertaking any Spirit-Mind-Body fitness and/or training program(s).

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Jim Ryun; A Living Legend

During the past few months, I had a chance to meet David Epstein (author of Sports Gene) and some of the renowned coaches in track & field (Dr. Joe Vigil, Vern Gambetta, Peter Thompson etc.) as well as some of today’s world-class middle-distance and long-distance athletes (including Nick Symmonds, Jenny Simpson, and Meb Keflezighi). It was a great opportunity to meet Mr. Epstein and the legendary Coaches Vigil, Gambetta and Thompson. Also, the inspiring athletes, Nick, Jenny and Meb as they prepare to compete in the 2015 World Track & Field Championships and 2016 Rio Olympics. I had a chance to listen, understand and appreciate each one’s own personal story, journey, various inspirations and aspirations. It was also really amazing to hear the name of “Jim Ryun” mentioned during some of the many conversations as a living legend who has inspired and still continues to do so for many generations of athletes worldwide.

Source: www.sporting-heroes.netathletics-
heroesdisplayhero.aspHeroID=10047

Last year happened to mark the 60^th anniversary of the breaking of the “four-minute mile” barrier by Roger Bannister in England and also marked the 50^th anniversary of the breaking of the “four-minute mile” barrier by the first high school athlete; Jim Ryun in Kansas. Today, there seems to be a rekindling and keener interest in competing in the “mile” as a popular track & field and road racing event; such as the very eventful New York Road Runners (NYRR) "5th Avenue Mile".

The world of “athletics” or track & field has seen and continues to this day with so many great men and women athletes in various events and competition which include but not limited to; Jim Thorpe, Paavo Nurmi, Eric Liddell, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Frank Shorter, Sebastian Coe, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards-Ross, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Usain Bolt, and Mo Farah, to just name a few. Especially, in the middle distance events, covering the half-mile and one-mile or metric equivalents of 800 Meters and 1500 Meters, there have also been many great men and women athletes worldwide. Among the many, one name comes continually to mind in particular; Jim Ryun.

After three attempts at the Olympics in 1964, 1968 and 1972, Ryun could not win an Olympic gold medal, but, he set and held multiple world records during the course of an athletic career that made him a world-class runner. The athletic greatness of Ryun and his outstanding contributions to the world of sports is important to recall as well as being a testimony to the human spirit as well as individual amateur athletic prowess and achievements.

Source: www.kshs.orgkansapediajim-
ryun12190

To start with, as mentioned above, as early as 1964 while a junior at Wichita East High School in Wichita Kansas, Ryun was the only athlete to run a four-minute mile at that time. He also became the first high school runner to break the four-minute barrier with a time of 3:59.0 for the mile which was an outstanding achievement in itself. While in high school, he qualified for the U.S. Olympic team and competed with the world’s best in the 1500 Meters in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games where he made it to the semifinals.

Ryun set the high school and U.S. open mile record of 3:55.3 as a senior in 1965, a record which has stood for nearly 36 years until 2001 when broken by Alan Webb who ran a 3:53.43. It should be noted that during the setting of this record, Ryun defeated Peter Snell who was the reigning 1500 Meters champion from the Tokyo Olympics and a former world record holder.

While still in his senior year in high school, Ryun was voted the fourth best miler in the world by the experts at Track & Field News. No wonder ESPN.com has Jim Ryun rated as the No. 1 high school athlete of all-time, beating out other great athletes such as Tiger Woods in golf and LeBron James in basketball.

At the age of just nineteen (19), Ryun set world records in the half-mile (time of 1:44.9, October 6, 1966 in Terre Haute Indiana) and the mile (time of 3:51.3, July 17, 1966 in Berkley California) and became Sport Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year”, winning the James E. Sullivan award as the U.S. top amateur athlete, ABC’s Wide World of Sports “Athlete of the Year” and was voted Track & Field News “Athlete of the Year” as the world best track & field athlete. On a college athletic scholarship to University of Kansas, from 1967, Ryun set multiple world records ablaze:

· Half-mile (indoors); Time of 1:48.3

· Mile; Time of 3:51.1, June 23, 1967 in Bakersfield California

· 1500 Meters; Time of 3:33.1, July 8, 1967 in Los Angeles, California

· Mile (indoors), Time of 3:56.4, February 19, 1971, San Diego, California

As a University of Kansas “Jayhawk”, Ryun was the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) champion in:

· 1967 Mile

· 1967, 1968, and 1969 Mile (indoors)

· 1968 Two-Mile (indoors)

Source: www.tedwatts.orgkansas.php

Ryun was truly a real team player and helped University of Kansas Jayhawks win the NCAA team championship in 1969 as well as sprint and distance medleys on multiple occasions. During the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Ryun completely recovered from mononucleosis, trained at high altitudes, and won a silver medal in the 1500 meters losing to the famous Kip Keino of Kenya. In the 1972 Munich Olympics, he was fouled, tripped and fell down during a qualifying heat for the 1500 meters and did not proceed any further with subsequent Olympic competition thereafter.

It is important to note that by breaking the world record for the mile at the age 19, Ryun spontaneously inspired generations worldwide and his impact was so widespread. It has been said that Ryun is one of the greatest middle-distance athletes and miler of all-time and is certainly one of the most prolific athletes.

Over the years, much has been said and written about Ryun in the form of magazine articles, books, TV and radio broadcasts and the sorts. In the age of high-speed internet, 24/7 media, cable news, multiple doping scandals, multimillion dollar advertisements and sponsorships, and highly paid pro-athletes, it is sometimes very hard to grasp and believe the various individual amateur athlete and team accomplishments of Jim Ryun; A Living Legend.

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Ryun

2. http://www.distancerunning.com/inductees/2003/ryun.html

3. Book “Jim Ryun: Master of The Mile”, by John Lake

4. http://www.kansas.com/news/article1145253.html

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