Still Running (weakly). Issue 74

PAST – inspiration – You may not have heard of Peter Norman, but you will probably have seen the Black Power Salute, Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s protest on the Olympic podium, after they had come first and third respectively in the 1968 200 metres – perhaps the most powerful Olympic image ever.

Well, Peter Norman came second in that race, and when the three men turned to face the flags as the Star-Spangled Banner was played, the Americans were behind the Australian and raised their gloved hands in protest. Many believed that Norman was not aware of their actions.

In fact, he had learnt of their intentions earlier. “I’ll stand with you,” he told them, and he wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge during the ceremony. It was he who suggested that the Americans share gloves – Carlos had forgotten his pair – and that is why Smith wears a black glove on his right hand, and Carlos one on his left.

After the games, Norman was basically ostracised in Australia, and controversially not selected for the 1972 Olympics. But Smith and Carlos deeply appreciated what he had done, and, when Norman died in 2006, they were pallbearers at his funeral, the date of which – 9th October – was proclaimed Peter Norman Day by USATF (USA Track and Field.)

PRESENT – perspiration – Speaking of honourable men, I expect that all of us were saddened by the news about Sir Chris Hoy. But he seems to be facing his terminal cancer with remarkable positivity and courage.

It is of course impossible to know what public figures are really like, but Hoy does seem to be a man of impeccable character. Leaving to one side his astonishing competitive record, his conduct as a pundit is unfailingly humble, generous to others, courteous, thoughtful and articulate.

Always self-deprecating, he once recounted that he had texted Jason Kenny with some advice just before an Olympic final, to which the younger man had replied, “Thanks, Mum.”

The following words seem impossibly weak, but, we wish you well, Chris.

FUTURE – suggestion – I am always banging on about making your sessions specific and knowing why you are doing them, as well as the occasional necessity of making them very intense.

There is no better example of this than Chris Hoy’s training before the 2012 Olympics, shown in a TV documentary. His coach put him through some excruciating squat sessions and stationary bike intervals – rendering him incapable of walking properly the next day.

Why? Just remember that moment in the keirin final when he was challenged on the last bend by the German rider, Maximilian Levy. You could almost see the Scot calling on his quads for more power at that point. Hoy held Levy off and won his sixth Olympic gold.

The sessions were worth it for the 0.06 seconds he won by!