This is one of Dr. Cobb’s favorite quotes, appearing in both the I-Phase and the recent 9S certification notebooks. Having recently returned from 9S and spending time watching the US Olympic trials over the weekend (as well as Wimbeldon), this quote has new meaning for me.
It’s interesting looking at athletes in a variety of fields, and the differences in body shape/size/musculature. Watching the track and field trials, the steeplechase runners look considerably different than the sprinters. I was watching the men’s sprinting, and when they came out, I saw Walter Dix (5’9″, 190lb) and thought, “he’s not a sprinter”. Most sprinters in the trials are taller and more lean (the favorite, Tyson Gay, who went out with an injury, is 5’11″ and 165lb). Dix placed really well, so there is an exception to every rule, but elite athletes in every sport tend to follow a general pattern in terms of musculoskeletal structure, strength, and overall fitness level. I’m watching the Wimbeldon men’s final right now (I love Tivo), and Federer and Nadal are both 6’1″, and have relatively similar body types. Last night I was watching the men’s semis (Tivo’ed) and Nadal was playing Schuettler. Schuettler is 5’10″, and McEnroe was saying how “hard” it was going to be for him to serve a lot of aces at that shorter height.
Body type is but one “clue” towards determining success. It happens to be on my mind right now, but it’s just one element. Movement, nutrition, training habits and patterns, and mental attitude are all additional “clues”. The way to get better is to study how the best in the world do at your sport, and model their actions.
Even if you “sport” is non-athletic, find the best, study their actions, get a coach, and put it all together to achieve what you want.
About Jen Waak