Why are Jamaicans so fast?

Tucked away in the middle of the Caribbean Sea is an island by the name of Jamaica. Despite it's relatively small population and area, Jamaica is an athletic powerhouse, and sprint events are dominated by Jamaican athletes at every international meet. With a reputation as a laid-back, reggae-loving, rasta-hat wearing nation, it has long been a mystery as to how Jamaicans are so fast. The truth can be explained with three "D's".

Diet
Professor Errol Morrison of the University of Technology, Jamaica, has developed an hypothesis that states a Jamaican's diet plays a role producing extraordinary sprinters. Professor Morrison, who has done more research on the topic than almost anyone else, says the humble green banana and yam can play a part in improving muscle performance. These foods work together to stimulate and replenish the muscle's energy supply. The yam is not a miracle vegetable that can simply be eaten to shave seconds from your 100m time, but as part of a steady diet from a young age, it can have its benefits. Yams work as a steroid, and if eaten consistently from a young age, can help to develop muscle mass as a person goes through their teenage years. Bananas contain phytates, which help the ATP PC energy system operate faster, an asset which is vital over 100m. Many Jamaicans grow up on a healthy diet which includes a dosage of yam and green banana high enough to make an impact on performance.

DNA
Before sufficient research had been done, many people accredited the Jamaican's success to a mysterious miracle gene. Such ideas have remained unproven and deemed impossible. But the physical build of people of West African descent, such as people from Jamaica, is undeniably different than that of others. Our good friend Professor Morrison denies the presence of a "speed gene" but accepted the anatomy of black and white people is different. Generally, black people possess greater muscle mass and have a different backbone/hip/pelvis/thigh relationship, that allows them to raise their knee to a greater height, more easily. This results in more power. Black athletes also breath faster, which is a benefit in sprint events. Furthermore, many Jamaican athletes are born with more white, or fast twitch, muscle fibres, which make them more suited to short, fast activities.

Desire
Ultimately, this is the factor that differentiates Jamaican athletes from the rest of the world. As a collective group, they have a hunger and a desire to be the best sprinters in the world, and this thirst is unmatched by any other group of people. Poverty and unemployment is high, and sprinting allows Jamaicans to literally run clear of their problems. Running unites the country and athletics is the second highest participation sport on the island. Jamaica has the third highest number of homicides, averaging three per day. On the day when Usain Bolt took gold in the 100m at Beijing, no one was murdered. Jamaicans simply loving sprinting and with that love comes a desire to succeed. The popularity of athletics has many benefits.
This love of running helps to set-up success for the future. The Jamaicans develop their youth better than anyone else, with programs such as the Champs offering up-and-comers the chance to train and compete to improve. The competitive of these meets is second to none. Whilst young athletes are not making the podium in Jamaica, they would be national champions in America. This strength of competition makes each young athlete train harder and improve more, creating an unmatchable depth of talent. When a young Jamaican sees his or her idols competing on the international stage, it inspires them to greatness. Jamaica has simply developed a culture that will ensure they are a sprinting powerhouse for many years to come.
Desire is the ultimate reason why Jamaicans are unbeatable over 100m. Diet and DNA might aid Jamaicans in their quest for sprinting glory, but are useless without dedication and hard work. Those who train the hardest and who truly want it the most will nearly always come out victorious, and the Jamaicans have demonstrated that year after year.

Jamaica has out sprinter the world for the past decade, and will continue to do so. Whilst their physical makeup and diet offer some benefit to their performance, it is ultimately a thirst for success and desire to be the best that puts Jamaican athletes consistently at the top of the podium.

Jamaica's 4x100m dominance is a testament to the depth of their talent
Photo courtesy of: ibtimes.co.uk

Five Stages towards Accepting the Trade of a Player

The loyalty of sports stars is always a hot topic in the sporting world. When trade time rolls around, sports fans everywhere fear the worst. They begin to express their love and gratification for their teams most prized out-of-contract stars, as if their words will somehow reach the athlete in question and make them stay for another season. Nervous hands surf the internet, fearing an update that brings the unthinkable news. When trade time ends and a fan's favourite player is secured for another season or two, they breath a sigh of relief and their attention turns to much more important matters; such as organising their fantasy league team.
In recent years, Arsenal supports have been deprived of their sigh of relief, and instead are suffocated by feelings of grief. Whilst they may have not been too sad to say goodbye to Almunia, the pain of losing Fabregas is yet to heal. And most recently, the departure of Robin van Persie has left some fans inconsolable. While I am certainly no psycholigist, the reactions of Gunners fans have led me to realise that the five stages of loss and grief can be applied to a fan's mental attitude regarding the trade of a sports star.

Five stages of loss: A fan's perspective

1. Denial At first, it is not uncommon for a supporter to simply ignore the reality. The immediate shock and pain of losing a cherished player is covered by ignoring the trade. Denying the player's actual ability is also common, however this is only experienced by slightly less loyal supporters. 
2. Anger For the majority of fan's this is stage one. Denial is not necessary and the truth cannot be ignored. Instead, fan's display anger towards the player, the coaches, the list managers, their neighbours, the bus driver, a passing bird, a cereal box. It is at this stage that fan's also feel comfortable expressing their pain, through passionate, yet horribly abusive, tweets, Facebook posts, and for the less confident, a series of anonymus emails.
3. Bargaining When one's spouse/friends/teacher/bus driver/local wildlife/cereal boxes cannot take any more abuse and begin to express their disapproval of the fan's actions, he or she must get over their anger stage. These feelings of anger are most commonly bottled up deep inside the fan, to re-emerge at next year's trade. Nonetheless, the fan has moved on from publicly displaying anger, and begins to bargain with themselves, and in any conversation slightly related to the topic. Common terms to help a suffering fan bargain their way through a crisis include: "If only we had more money." "We will be alright without them." "(**Insert name of unloyal, money grabbing, heartless sports star here**) isn't that good anyway." This bargaining is often a weaker form of denial.
4. Depression After the fan realises the truth cannot be ignored for any longer, they fall into a deep, inconsolable sadness. It is a painful state that is not dissimilar to anger.
5. Acceptance This stage is ignored by the majority of fans. The loss of a favourite player is never fully accepted, and whilst the event may not be at the front of each conversation a mad, incomprehensible rant in which the only thing that is clearly outlined is the unloyal nature and inaccurate kicking of the athlete in question, is triggered by any mention of the player. An unbelievable level of hatred is shown for the player.

It is undeniable that a true fan feels pain and a sense of loss when a player is traded. The most one-eyed supporters have adopted players into their extended families, and shouldn't be expected to simply accept the departure of a relative.  

Inspirational Videos

Arousal levels (yes, I know what you're thinking, but it's a different kind of arousal), play an important part in determining how well we do or don't perform on the sporting field. You can pump yourself up in any way, and everyone has a different method. Some like music, others coffee, and some inflict pain on themselves in a cross between a viking warrior and a psychopath, it really is a case of whatever floats your boat. Personally, I have a playlist of YouTube videos that I watch to be ready before a game. Here are my favourites, and sure they seem cornier than a hillybilly's diet but they sure do the trick. (Obviously I don't own the rights to any of these videos):

Underdog - Versus Commercial

You vs Them - Versus Commercial

ASICS: Made of Sport Commercial

How Bad Do You Want It?

Everything you need is already inside - Nike Commercial

Keep Moving Forward - Rocky

Inspiration - AFL Coaching Legends

Hope you enjoyed these inspirational videos.

Best Moments of the 2012 Olympic Games

London 2012. We saw extraordinary performances and spectacular mishaps. We witnessed all the Olympics have to offer; sweat, tears, incredible happiness, devastating lows, passion and pain. We will look back on these two weeks and different events will stand out to different people. However, there were a few moments that will stand out to all of us.

Usain Bolts Track Endeavours
These were that games that Usain Bolt said himself he would become a legend. The pressure was on and the stage was set. Like a true sporting champion, Bolt rose to the occasion and was able to assert his position as the best ever sprinter. With typical Bolt showmanship, he entertained the crowd and left a lasting imprint on the memories of everyone who saw him perform. Spectators fell in love with his happy, almost carefree, demeanor and we finally saw a superstar  athlete who also loved to have fun when competing. In the days when competing athletes show an attitude colder than a cooler of ice cubes, it was a refreshing change. The men's 4x100 was also one of the most entertaining, exhilarating and anticipated events of the 2012 games and the record breaking race will also go down as one of the top moments of the London Games.
Phelps' Poolside Prouess
Perhaps we had come to expect extraordinary from the human fish or perhaps the media had become tired of reporting on Phelps. Perhaps I have just forgotten the hype surrounding Phelps' record breaking swim. Anyway, it is safe to say that Phelps' time at this Olympics deserved more of a fuss. The American marvel once again set the pool, which we previously thought to be inflammable, alight. He broke the world record for the most amount of medals ever won and in doing so etched his name as statistically the greatest Olympic athlete of all time. In terms of great Olympic achievements,  this one is the hardest to top.
Mo Farah's Fast Five-thousand (and ten-thousand)
Every hosting nation needs a homegrown hero. Although Farah may have been born in Somalia, the Brits certainly claim him as their own. The whole nation held their breath as they waited for the greatest ever British long distance runner to start his 5000m final. They exhaled relief, pride and celebrations as the Mobot held on in an incredible sprint finish to clench his second gold medal of the London Games. It was a truly great moment, which unofficialy kicked off the celebrations of a very successful games.

They were three moments of the 2012 Games that will always be at the forefront of a London Games discussion. But there were some truly special moments that you may have missed.

Im Dong-hyun's Heroic Archery Accuracy 
A man with no fingers would never be a shooter. A man with no feet would never be a basketballer A man with no arms would never be a swimmer. A man with no sight would never be an archer. Or so we once thought. Im Dong-hyun produced an unmatchable performance in the men's 72 arrow archery. He broke his own world record and recorded a score of 699, despite being legally blind. He went on to win a bronze medal to accompany two golds he won in team events at Beijing and Athens. Im Dong-hyun does not consider himself disabled, and finds the attention to his sight unwelcome. He may deny the influence of his blindness, but for a man with 10% vision in his left eye and 20% vision in his right to hold a world record in an event dependent on vision is extraordinary. What a true Olympic moment we witnessed during the archery qualifying. Who would've thought.
Table Tennis Tension
Ultimately, the Olymlic Games aim to showcase athletes, but also to unite every nation. South Korea and North Korea do not have the best relationship and only come together under two events; war and the Olympics. The two Koreas met in the table tennis arena and experienced a battle with a much different goal then previous encounters between the countries. When the game was ended and South Korean and North Korean athlete shook hands and wished each other good luck, it was a true symbolism of the ultimate goal of the Olympics. Although it didn't feature the incredible athlete abilities we associate with Olympic greatness, the match was still one of the top moments of the 2012 Games.

As spectators and sport enthusiasts we wait impatiently for the Olympics every four years. We anticipate incredible moments and look forward to witnessing some great sporting performances. The London 2012 Games contained everything we wished for, and we thank it for providing a platform for world class sport stars to demonstrate their skills and compete for glory and we thank it for promoting world peace and unity. It is sad to say goodbye to an amazing two weeks, but for now we say bring on Rio!

100M Men's Final

On your marks. Set. And the most anticipated event of the 2012 Games was underway. The stage had been set for an historic 100M men's final, and the outcome did not disappoint. As we all now know, lightning can strike twice and Usain Bolt has confirmed himself as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Let's recap the performance of each competitor, from eighth to first.

8. Asafa Powell

The Jamacian muscle man finished in eighth place, and recorded a time just under 12 seconds. He clearly pulled up with some kind of injury, and hobbled to the line. We could've expected a finish in the middle of the field had Powell not been injured.
7. Richard Thompson
The Torpedo from Trinidad and Tobago finished in seventh place with a time of 9.98 seconds. He was unable to repeat his silver medal performance of Beijing and didn't record a PB. He did, however, finish seventh in one of the fastest, and tightest, finishes of Olympic history.
6. Churandy Martina
The 28 year old sprinter represented the Netherlands in this years games and recorded a personal best time, and a Dutch record, of 9.91 seconds in the semi-finals. He ran a 9.94, edging out Thompson for sixth place. The Dutch sprinter had the fastest reaction time off the blocks. He will be looking forward to the 200m, as he has clearly found some form for this meet.
5. Ryan Bailey
Ryan Bailey was one of three Americans competing in the final and ran an equal personal best time of 9.88 seconds for fifth spot.
4. Tyson Gay
Many favored Tyson Gay for the 100m dash, but he was put out of the medals in a photo finish. A season best time by the 29 year old was beating for third by one one-hundredth of a second. The fastest ever American broke into tears after the event, and said, "I tried my best and came up short."
3. Justin Gatlin
The fastest American sprinter of the final was looking for redemption after serving a four year ban for doping. A personal best time of 9.79 was good enough for the medals, and a last effort lung put Gatlin on the podium. He finished third over Gay by the smallest of margins, and just shy of silver.
2. Yohan Blake
The Jamacian sprinter may be just 5'11", but he caused a big stir in the Olympic trials when he beat Usain Bolt over 100m. He finished second to his training partner in this years final and recorded am equal personal best time of 9.75 seconds. He was clearly ecstatic with the result and celebrated with his good friend Bolt after the race. Some say Blake is stronger over 200m, and he may give Bolt a run for his money over the longer distance.
1. Usain Bolt
Pressure and expectations had grown around the world record holder for sometime during the lead up to the games. His disqualification for a false start at the world championships, second place to Yohan Blake at the Olympic trials and gold medal performance at Beijing had all increased the hype and pressure surrounding the champion sprinter. As always he looked cool, calm and collected during his heat and semifinal, and looked to be confident heading into the main event. His infamous start proved no troubles for Bolt, and, in classic Bolt style, he powered away from the field midway through the race to take gold in Olympic record time. This was one of the first times we had seem Bolt run hard for the entire race on the big stage. He had eyes only for the clock during the last 50m, and seemed somewhat disappointed for the briefest of moments to not have beaten his world record. This brief disappoint turned to happiness and relief as Bolt had put an end to the doubters and critics. He truly proved himself as an all time champion of sprinting, and will be looking to get yet another gold in the 200m. 

How did Shiwen?

With each incredible performance of modern Olympic times, the question of doping is raised. Past scandals broke both records and our trust, and exceptional performances are burdened with the possibility of drug cheating.
The London Games have claimed to be the cleanest ever, but some performances have still left us wondering about the possible use of illegal ergogenic aids, specifically banned drugs. The 400M IM final is one event that raised doubts over the legitimacy of clean athletes. 16 year old Chinese swimming prodigy, Ye Shiwen, took her second gold of this years games in the event but sport scientists and experts have downed her performance. She swam the race in 4:28.43. The freestyle leg from Ye Shiwen was extraordinary and set her up to break the world record in the 400M IM. Her final 100 meters was faster than Ryan Lochte's, who won the mens' 400M IM. She exploded in the freestle leg and her final kick showed she had much in reserve coming into the last 100 meters. Accredited sports scientist Jonathan Dugas said that such a kick "goes against everything that we know about how athletes pace themselves at that level." Shiwen swam the freestyle leg 16% faster than the pace of her other three strokes, whilst her competitors swam only 10% quicker. Her time in the final showed a 5 second improvement on her personal best.
Has the world's media been too quick to doubt Shiwen's performance? Have they found her guilty until proven innocent? Was Shiwen's 400M IM an extraordinary case of a young athlete stepping it up on the big stage? It is not unheard of that a swimmer around 16 years old has a large improvement during that age. The natural development of the human body would have undoubtedly played a part in such an exceptional improvement on a personal best time. Ye Shiwen provided a negative drug test result under the most sophisticated testing ever, and this information cannot be ignored. But it is also said that the cheaters are one step ahead of the testers. Is it possible that China has decided to win at any cost? The People's Republic of China is an unquestionable Olympic power house, and this year has shown incredible improvement in the pool. The London Games have seen China improve from no gold medals in the pool to seven. Is such an improvement across the board due to sophisticated doping or incredible training and dedication? Whilst doping results will confirm the latter, common sense and past results may indicate the former.
Personally, I want to beleive the romantic tale of a young girl who stepped it up to the world's best and took away an extraordinary gold medal on the Olympic stage.

Nike Inspirational Poster

Nike puts it well here.