This is so typical ofwhat we see happening today. We have created artificial divisions andclassifications that ultimately hurt or confuse the athlete. Doingremedial work like balance and proprioception drills certainly have aplace for the 400 meter runner, or for that matter any athlete, but ifthat is all that is done for strength training then the program isremiss. Conversely just lifting heavy will not get the job done either.A good balanced program managed by one coach is the path to excellence.The message that I get from this is that the performance team lackedgood direction or the direction was communicated to all involved. WhatI am seeing today in coaching is precisely what it occurring inmedicine, there are now a myriad of specialists who never speak to eachother or to the coach. Each specialist is guarded in their area andseeks to develop that area to the exclusion of others. There must be ageneralist who coordinates and communicates who knows the big pictureand never loses sight of it. Following the functional path demands aroadmap, a compass and the ability to read the road signs along theway. My fear is that athlete is now going the wrong way down anotherone way street. We shall see, I will be following his progress withinterest.
