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| The wall in Hillaby, Barbados which bears Brathwaite's image |
On 20th August, 2009, Ryan Brathwaite of little known Hillaby, St Andrew, Barbados thrust Barbados into the sporting spotlight when he took gold at the IAAF World Championships in the 110m hurdles.
Bajans all over the world were proud to add his name to the list of other Bajans who have reminded the rest of the world that despite its size, the Antillean isle produces superstars such as Sir Garfield Sobers, Obadele Thompson and Rihanna.
However, after Ryan’s mediocre performance at the recent Golden Spike meet, it was clear that the difference between Ryan and the afore mentioned Bajan superstars is that the excellence they have achieved in their respective fields is consistent and credible.
Yes, I said credible. You see, what many refused to acknowledge is that Ryan achieved his goal in a competition that was void of competition. Although Ryan ran an impressive 13.89, neither China’s neither Liu Xian (PB 12.88) nor Cuba’s Dayron Robles (PB 12.89) were on the starting line that day. Had the usual suspects been in attendance that day, Ryan might have brought home a bronze medal.
I’m not trying to detract from Ryan’s achievement; to the contrary, I am querying whether or not Barbados’ reaction to Ryan’s medal was premature. After all, at the tender of age of 21 with just one gold medal under his belt Ryan was showered with material possessions, appointed as an ambassador and even had a wall in St Andrew, transformed with his image.
How is an athlete meant to strive for more when they are not appropriately incentivised throughout their development? Especially when there are younger, hungrier athletes devoting every spare moment to personal excellence.
I’m normally in favour of athletes from developing countries being handsomely rewarded for their achievements, but in this situation I can’t help but wonder if the level of recognition was inappropriate for not only the athlete but the achievement. Rebuttals are welcomed.
It simply seems to me that there is not much else at play here than jealousy. While Ryan did have a disappointing performance at the recent meet, and has seemingly been struggling with injuries throughout the present season; to question the man's credibility and consistency is simply an unconscionable act of hatred toward the youngster's achievements and abilities.
ReplyDeleteDespite the 2 other competitors mentioned, Liu Xian, and Dayron Robles not being in attendance at the 2009 IAAF world champs, Ryan still had as good a chance as any to take home the GOLD. To imply otherwise is disrespectful in the highest form toward what Ryan has achieved! Furthermore, what YOU failed to mention is that US star Terrance Trammell was in attendance in that race, and actually led the race until Ryan's remarkable finish was enough to send the American hurdler to 2nd place. ALSO, numerous times throughout his amazing career has he come extremely CLOSE to beating both these athletes, who happen to have the advantage of age and experience over Ryan.
With regards to whether or not Ryan has been rewarded with too much too soon, it is not apparent that Ryan asked for any of these 'rewards', as they were solely the decisions of the Barbadian government and other respective sponsors to give him these gifts and privileges. How can you question whether or not what he has achieved and been rewarded for is valid, because he has been having a disappointing season? Do we all not deserve to be well rewarded for what we have accomplished, irrespective of what happens in the time following said accomplishment?
Furthermore, what baffles me is the lack of support; or the diminishing support for Ryan from his fellow countrymen. Upon his return to Barbados back in 2009 following his win at the world champs, the entire island was behind his back, treating him like royalty and such. Where is this level of support now?
I find this article repulsive, offensive, and highly opinionated, while boasting few facts. For one, you have all three posted times above (by Ryan, Liu, and Dayron) incorrectly listed. There isn’t a moral code in existence today that condones questioning, or ‘hating’ on what one has been given for accomplishments far greater than what most have accomplished. Please put yourself in Ryan’s shoes before you speak of such a sensitive topic. I love Ryan Brathwaite, believe that he IS FULLY DESERVING OF WHATEVER REWARDS HE HAVE EARNED FROM THE 2009 WORLD CHAMPS, AND DO NOT BELIEVE HE WAS COMPENSATED TOO MUCH OR TOO EARLY!
Signed
An avid believer in Ryan Brathwaite.
To "An avid believer in Ryan Brathwaite"
ReplyDeleteYou made good points up until you last few sentences where you pledged your undying love for Ryan Brathwaite. As such it became obvious that you are full of bias. Still you are welcome to your opinion and I agree with a lot of what you said.
Ryan Brathwaite's accomplishment was excellent and a proud moment for Barbados. He had no control over who could or could not race, and he made the most of the opportunity he had and won gold.
I don't question what he received from the government and sponsors either. As you so astutely mentioned, he didn't ask for it.
What I question though is his current drive and whether he can once again reach the heights he achieved at the World Championships. So far, from an unbiased eye, he has not looked like he will get back there. I hope he does, but his technique in his last few races looks to be off.
To ask the question of whether this is related to him having to deal with the success of the World Championship victory is fair game, because success affects athletes differently, and some, having been thrust into the limelight have great difficulty handling the pressure and expectations that come with it. Maybe Ryan Brathwaite is one of them, maybe he isn’t. It is left to him to prove it to us though, and so far he has not.
I hope that changes. Barbados needs Ryan Brathwaite to be on top of his game and the world of hurdling.
To the blogger, though I disagree with many of your points I can understand your reasoning, even if it is ultimately flawed. I would suggest though, that Barbados consider the presence of sports psychologists and money managers who can help athletes transition into newfound success, while keeping them focused on what they need to continue achieving.
Hi. Thanks for taking into consideration my points. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for my professing my undying love for this Mr. Brathwaite, I don't see how that changes anything that I've said. Should my personal relationship with Ryan (I do know him) be a determinant in my own credibility, then your comments as well as those of the blogger are also biased. With that said, I do believe that he has what it takes to be back where he once was. Also, there is no undying love in play here, I just admire his work ethic when it comes to the sport, and love his talent and demeanor.
I absolutely agree with just about all the points you raised though. Barbados should provide more outlets to help these athletes transition into their new found success. This could very well be the factor to get him right back to where he should be, sooner rather than later.
"To ask the question of whether this is related to him having to deal with the success of the World Championship victory is fair game, because success affects athletes differently" --I totally agree with. However from reading the original blog post, I did not get the feeling that the blogger meant this in more of a positive (or even neutral) manner, hence my strong response to this.
Like you said, it's up to him to prove all doubters wrong, and keep all supporters happy. It's too early in his season to
Signed (once again)
An avid believer in Ryan Brathwaite
Dear avid believer in Ryan Brathwaite
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your feelings on the post. There are a few things I would like to call you on though.
You stated that ‘there is not much else at play here than jealousy’
I can assure you that this is not the case, and if anything I want to see Ryan continue towards the upper echelon of athletic success – hence why I questioned Barbados’ knee jerk response to his gold medal.
You also asked ‘How can you question whether or not what he has achieved and been rewarded for is valid, because he has been having a disappointing season?’
I never questioned whether or not his reward was valid based on his current season. I actually questioned the rewards two years ago amongst my peers but waited until now to share my views more publicly. Regardless of what field you operate in, you are perceived to be only as good as your last achievement. In no field does that statement ring more true than in the world of athletics and my worry was that Ryan was not being given the breathing room required to remain focused.
I have also noted that some of your frustration lies with your countrymen and not just myself.
With regards to incorrectly posted times, I believed my sources to be correct at the time of my research and apologise for any confusion – please post the correct PBs in a response so that others can also be made aware.
To Anonymous 2 – I think you hit the nail on the head with regards to sports psychologists. As ‘Avid believe in Ryan Brathwaite’ seems to know so much about Ryan’s career, he/she may be in a position to enlighten us as to whether or not a sports psychologist was made available to Ryan following his success in 2009.
Ryan didn't get connected with any of the outlets mentioned besides the typical manager, accountant, coach, etc. TO MY KNOWLEDGE--I could be wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe correct times for each indiv. was Brathwaite (13.14) Robles(12.88--current world record) and Xiang (12.91--former world record)
And I now have a better understanding of what you meant in the original post, thanks to your clarifications in the last comment.
You are 100% correct though, there is some frustration with the support i perceive him receiving from his own countrymen. It seems to me that the support he received 2 years ago has diminished greatly, and I have to wonder what that does for his mental state, as we know what sports are 70% mental and 30% physical.
Once more,
An avid believer in Ryan Brathwaite.