In the face of a myriad of views, opinions, judgements and an abundance of talk from arm chair, self-proclaimed and acclaimed experts, T&T sport appears to be stagnating from too many questions and not enough answers. In the face of all the noise, we do not starve for a lack of problem identification. Those who clamour and advocate for something to be done cannot provide clear and concrete ideas and actions only lots and lots of talk and opinions. Patience! Forbearance! But Oh! My gosh! We do need genuine analysis and discussion instead of energy and spirit sapping gossip, rumours, hearsay and vengefulness. We live in a modern world where the best sporting nations are open and willing to share science and research based information, experience and knowledge. Last week the US Olympic Committee (USOC) held a communications and public relations workshop for its Olympic governing bodies in Colorado Springs.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), through its Olympic Solidarity programme identified 13 National Olympic Committees from around the world who they believed would benefit from attending the three-day workshop, the TTOC was one of the lucky group. The workshop addressed media, public relations and communication planning for London 2012. The degree and depth of planning, preparation, thought, action and vision should not be a surprise. The level of detail is such that one year out, the USOC has a plan for managing victory, dates and times for the events and medal ceremonies, pre, during and post event activities and interviews. The determination of both the USOC and IOC to be inclusive in their capacity building shames those who prefer to be selfish. In Colorado Springs last week it was obvious that there is a reason why the US remains at the forefront of Olympic success.
Their philosophy is doing whatever is best for the team. Question how you can improve, often and with intensity. If it is good for the team, do it. If it isn’t, don’t. Surround your athletes with people who embrace challenges, who love to win, positive role models who inspire people to follow their example and can marshal the troops. People who can think beyond the moment. Keep everyone focused on the task at hand, create the environment of really high standards, and get people used to doing the right thing. At the highest level of sport, victory is measured in inches and seconds. To make your mark you have to take your opportunities. You may not have much of an opportunity, but once you get it, take it. When you narrow it down, the USOC’s philosophy can be described as “from small acorns do great oaks grow. Small victories blossom into massive success.”
If we want to be consistently on the world stage, we must lift our vision and thinking. Doubters and talkers will not stay silent because that is what they do best—doubt and talk. They have one objective; that is to drive the willing and able into decline and submission. It matters not selfish protagonists that they are that local sport will be the worse off in the medium to long term. Do what the talkers and doubters will not do, go where they will not go. Think and take ethical and legal actions. Average thinking and actions will only bring mediocre results. In closing, this column extends sincerest condolences to the family and friends of former Olympian and CAC medallist Ali St Louis. His commitment and dedication to national duty and service, his family, community and the sport of track and field were exemplary. St Louis choose the road less travelled. His faith in the goodness of human kind should serve as an inspiration and motivation to those who prefer to doubt and talk.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt
By Brian Lewis