Alberto Contador, the Spanish cycling hero who won the Tour de France several times has been banned for a doping rule violation (media release).
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Great video on two promising US throwers
I recommend you watch this video (thanks to Dale Stevenson for recommending) featuring US throwers Russ Winger (DT & SP) and Kara Patterson (JT). Great advertising for throws.
Settling the squatting debate
What’s Werner Günthör up to these days?
Werner Günthör (50) was one of the greatest shot putters ever, retiring in 1993 after winning his third straight World Championship title.
These days the Swiss giant enjoys playing ice hockey, but he still likes to win. Watch him in action.
Source: SF1 (Swiss TV)
Nuggets of wisdom from Steve Backley
Steve Backley’s blog contains a few interesting and motivational pieces. Drop in, subscribe to his RSS feed, or follow him on Twitter. I also like his quote: “Succession is a decision, not a gift.”
For those of you too young to remember: Steve Backley was for a long time one of the world’s best javelin throwers.
Ilke Wyludda prepares for the London Paralympics
42 year-old German discus legend Ilke Wyludda is returning to the discus ring! But this time with the goal of competing at the 2012 Paralympics.
In December 2010 she had to have her lower right leg amputated due to a bacterial infection that led to blood poisoning.
In addition to working as a medical practitioner she is now back in training with her old coach, Gehard Böttcher, who also emerges from retirement to support her campaign.
Source: leichtathletik.de
Kathrin tells it how it is – and how it should be
World class German hammer thrower Kathrin Klaas has published a blog post criticising the IAAF for excluding the hammer throw from its prestigious Diamond League Series and for providing a pathetic replacement competition series for hammer throwers.
Some inspiration for coaches from Frank Dick
Watch this video, excerpts of an interview with former British top coach Frank Dick. I love one of his opening lines: “If change is happening to you, you must be adaptable. If you’re trying to make change happen, you must be creative.”
Wolfgang visits Greystanes
On 5 October Michael, Tatiana and Vanessa were lucky enough to get some discus coaching from 1976 Olympic silver medallist Wolfgang Schmidt. What a great guy! What a great experience for all of us!
Thanks to Janet Smith for this photo:
ATFCA National Coaching Congress
Over the long weekend (30 Sept. – 2 Oct.) I attended the National Coaching Congress organised by the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association. A fantastic opportunity to learn from others, exchange ideas, and network.
The highlight for me of course was meeting my childhood idol, Wolfgang Schmidt, silver medalist of the 1976 Olympics. I also enjoyed lively discussions with Vern Gambetta, Denis Knowles, Peter Lawler, Bryan Neigbour, Ken Harradine and many others.
On Sunday I also gave a well received presentation on “Social Media for Coaches”.