Obadele Thompson

Obadele Thompson (born 30 March 1976) is a Barbados-born former sprinter, lawyer, author, and speaker. Quotes They were exceptional people because they did things that cost them a lot. They did not only think about winning and earning money, but also wanted to prove that the sport is something more than this. To have an impact in the real world, sport has to help people grow. Well, to be really honest with you, I feel more like a 200m runner. I could even say that I am a 200m runner who can also run fast over 100m. This year, in Austin with Dan Pfaff, I have trained specifically for that race. We are a good group: between 15 and 20 athletes, and each one thinks he is extremely gifted, even those who are not. It would be difficult to convince people that Obadele did not have a gift for sprinting, even if he only started walking when he was fifteen months old because of problems with his feet (foot varus). He recovered without surgery. I train together with Bruny Surin and Donovan Bailey, They both have nine or ten years more experience more than I have, and the more I look at them the more I am convinced that I can learn to become a better athlete. But I need to be patient. History, even our own history my father taught me, evolves slowly over timE. Next year I think I will go back to school. I am very attracted to the idea of studying theology, the history of religions. If someone asks me what the connection is between theology, being an athlete and having studied economics, I answer that the connection is my life. If I think about the future, I would like to become a missionary. Not the kind that travels the world, because I've done enough of that, but a missionary who can transmit the right values in the society where he lives. I don't think all sprinters should look like Superman, with huge muscles. It would be extremely boring. I really prefer to remain the way I am -normal. To be honest with you, the weights room is only a social place for me. It is the right place to relax after running sessions. I think sprinting is mainly about self confidence and the ability to concentrate. Once you are in the blocks, if you can think only about your own capacities and reject all other information or distractions you can produce a great race. I know it is not easy, for we have a lot of demands on us and the pressure can be overwhelming. But this is exactly how the ability to control emotions can be measured. I was injured just prior to the Atlanta Olympic Games and was deeply disappointed during the Games because I finished fourth in the 200m and a semi-finalist in the 100m. I was extremely frustrated not to achieve what I thought was possible to achieve: winning Olympic gold. And this made my sporting career change path over the last four years. I am still convinced that I have not reached my full potential. But things are now getting better and if I remain healthy I think I can run very well in Sydney. Officially, both. But I will decide at the very last moment." -And over 200m, do you think that John Capel is the man to beat? He is very confident and will be very hard to beat if he’s in good shape. Obadele and "Tommie the Jet" …August 17 2000 External Links Category:1976 births Category:1970s Category:Track and field athletes