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    Some Thoughts on American Dominance

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    By on Vern Gambetta's Blog

    The days of American dominance are over. That is not a bad thing. It simply reflects the globalization of sport. Other countries are developing sport systems. They are training coaches and athletes. We will always be in the hunt just by size of our population. I have not carried out my complete Olympic boycott as I had intended. I have watched selected events, mainly to learn more about the sport demands and current trends. I will give my two cents on Usain Bolt. I was unimpressed with his behavior in the 100 meters. I think it showed immaturity and a lack of respect for the sport and his competitors. That being said I am not sure he meant any disrespect, he is just kid out there having fun, perhaps there is a lesson we could learn. It is still a game. The other thing to remember about Bolt is that he is no flash in the pan. He was a great when he was 15 years old, much like Michael Phelps in swimming. His 9.92 in the heats of the 100 meters was the most amazing run I have ever seen, he sprinted 30 meters and then literally jogged the 70 meters, astounding! He also dispels the myth that someone tall cannot start effectively. I thought the greatest sprinter I have seen in my life was Tommy Smith, he was tall, 6″3″ but not a good starter so he seldom ran 100 meters. However, in those days it was not accepted to strength train beyond a few push-up or pull-ups, I think that Bolt has developed his strength levels to enable him to start effectively. I have not seen his 200 meter final race yet, but what a time. I can’t wait to see him in the sprint relay, imagine what he will do with a running start. I hope his teammate can catch him to pass him the baton. It is also interesting to note the success of the Caribbean nations in Track & Field, it is not just Jamaica. I think that coaching development has been a key, they have taken advantage of IAAF coaching development and done a good job developing their youth. Certainly coaching is my bias, but it proves to be a key.

    It was cool watching the men’s springboard diving and catching a dive of one of the young divers I had worked with in Guadalajara. Also neat to see one of the Aussie women divers that I had gotten to see train last year in the hunt.
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    Vern Gambetta

    Vern Gambetta

    Director at Gambetta Sports Training Systems
    Vern is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several MLS teams as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He has lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe and has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He has a BA in teaching with a coaching minor and an MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.
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