Events

Here are two valuable sections on "The Complete Athlete" and "Keys to Success" for each event. This information is condensed from books, conversation, and personal interaction with many successful individuals who have coached and competed at every level, including middle school, high school, collegiate All American, Olympic, and Diamond League professional. Take it all in. Put it all to work!

After you digest the information below, go back to the "Events" menu above and click on each event to find even more specific information.

"Keys to Success"

While all of the elements are important, the lists below shows the critical physical elements of the "complete athlete" in bold as the"Keys to Success" in each event.

Throws: Consistent peak performance in the throwing events depends largely on technique, then on strength, then on speed to quickly converting forward motion into torque behind the element. Even smaller throwers can compete well if they balance these elements and work to their capacity.

• Shot Put: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed
• Discus: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed

Jumps: Consistent peak performance in the jumps depends mainly on technique, then on speed to quickly convert forward motion into height and distance. Strength is still important for power off the board and off the last step before jumping.

• High Jump: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed
• Long Jump: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed

Pole Vault: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, and Speed. PV above all other events requires the harmony of every element. It is the most complicated and dangerous of the events. Pole vaulters need to be Complete Athletes.

Sprints: Consistent peak performance in the sprints depends largely on speed, then on technique. The balanced mind allows sprinters the calm required to go all out, but in a relaxed way, which truly is the fastest way. Working to capacity, not more or less than it, allows the sprinter to be ready for an a perfect race. A special note: Become a strong 400 m runner and you will be successful at any shorter distance, and can even run a strong 800 m!

• 100 m: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed
• 200 m: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed
• 400 m: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, Speed
• Hurdles, 100 m, 110 m and 300 m: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, Speed
• Relays: Flexibility, Strength, Technique, Speed

Middle and Long Distance: The Complete Athlete can be successful at any of these three events. Traditional (old) thinking discards the need for strength because it never used it correctly. When strength measured in overall body power is balanced with endurance, technique and finishing or surging speed, the end of every race is most exciting!

• 800 m: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, Speed
• 1600 m: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, Speed
• 3200 m: Flexibility, Strength, Endurance, Technique, Speed