Suzy could use a dose of supportive track.
story of mental illness and a detour into the sex industry is retold —
in her own words — in a BBC piece. Now 47, she seems to shun competition. It got her into world-class trouble. But what if she dipped a toe into masters track? “My running career was highly successful. I won more NCAA Championships than anybody ever had. I won seven US Championship titles between 1991 and 2004, set a couple of American records, and made the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic teams,” she writes. “I won a lot, but tended to ‘choke’ at the big, big meets. I didn’t know why and it ate at me. My body would just tighten up on me unexpectedly towards the end of a race. Like I was running with a piano on my back. I even fell on purpose in the 1500m final at the Sydney Olympics when, as the favourite, I knew I would not medal with 50 metres to go.” In masters, we all have issues. But the stress is less. I’ve written Suzy
via her blog. Hope she’s open to us.
11 Responses
Masters track might welcome her. Some may not.
Just a very interesting story. I’m not qualified to determine her mental state, but a few things seem a bit sketchy to me- who knows.
I’ve thought long and hard about this story, Ken.
I do remember Suzy “back in the day”. Wonderful runner of course. Very blond and attractive as well. Even, that name! Dazzling, wot?
That said, I’m going to call you out on this one. Inviting her to join masters track, aw, c’mon. There are any number (1000’s at least) of Olympic athetes out there, but only a very small number compete at masters. What makes Suzy so special?
I have (surely!) made my share of mistakes in life. Fortunately, I didn’t have to make them on TV in front of millions. But then, I surely didn’t write a book about them (and attempt to enrich my bank account in the process).
So, maybe it was (the proverbial) slow news day at masterstrack.com. Still, let’s leave Suzy out of it. On the whole, she is a greatly disappointing role model. Frankly, I bleed more for her ever-supporting, ever-loving husband, than for Suzy.
It would, of course, be awesome if past Olympic/World Meet tracksters and fieldsters would continue into masters competition. But with a few notable examples, mostly in the weight/throwing/jumping competition, it doesn’t happen.
Why is this? Seniors Golf is popular enough to be televised and draw large crowds.
On the other hand a Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989-90 folded
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senior_Professional_Baseball_Association
There is an active senior tennis tournament circuit, but I’m not sure whether the Williams sisters will ever participate.
Pro Hockey,football, and to a certain extent basketball take such a physical toll that many pro players physical condition after retiring make it difficult or even impossible to carry on with these sports.
Still, track and field is fundamentally different in that it is a sport of measurements. A pro golfer can still make a 60 foot putt at age 60. A pro basketball player can still pop in a 30 foot shot at age 60. A pro tennis player can still return a serve at age 60. But an Olympic shot putter is not likely going to put a 16 lb. shot 60 feet and a triple jumper is not going to triple jump 60 feet at age 60.
We are a victim of our own marketing:
Citius – Altius – Fortius
just the opposite of what happens post-Olympics.
see: http://www.ortmanmarchand.com/fs7.html
That is why age grading has become so popular. You can still turn in a performance that is on par with your younger self and do the comparison. That is of course if the age grading tables are actually accurate.
When a football player beats his wife or girlfriend or maybe even something even worse, he returns to the game and after a few wins we all seem to be cheering for him again. Suzy messed up and had a very bad period in her life. Can we afford her the same forgiveness we seem to give the dog abuser, wife abuser or girlfriend abusers? I for one am up for giving someone a chance to get beyond their past in an attempt to build a better future.
For God’s sake… Cut the woman some slack. Who are we to judge her?I haven’t read Suzy’s book, but I watched her compete all those years ago. She was an awesome athlete who, as she said, “choked” in major competition…The Mental Illness she suffered with, has to be factored into this conversation.
I don’t think it would be too difficult to handle this issue with a bit of compassion towards Suzy.
It’s her life and her choice. Kindness usually doesn’t hurt people…We need more of it. Just saying.
Whether Suzy competes or not, I’m glad that she has gotten help for her illness. However the manner in which she dealt with it before getting professional help must have been extremely painful for her family, and from reading her blog it seems that she’s still infatuated with the call girl part of her life. I absolutely wish her the best in her struggle with her illness but it would seem more appropriate to work through her past behavior in a more private manner. If I were a family member I’d certainly feel that way.
Jen Rhines, Magdalena Boulet, Colleen De Reuck and Deena Kastor are all US Olympians who are competing in the Masters track, XC, and road racing ranks (and can still handle their own in the open division). They are all examples of hard working, dynamic and obviously talented women. Not only do they continue to compete but they each give back to our sport. It is not my place to judge Suzy.. As a fellow 1500m, 800m specialist she was a running hero to me for many years. I wish her the best and hope she finds peace and healing. However I would rather read about the women I mentioned above who are living as mentors I can look to for inspiration here and now. I get frustrated with our society’s obsession with sensationalism driving the “news” vs success via hard work, philanthropy, and perseverance.
Suzy is allowed to work through her illness in the way that supports her mental health, she SHOULD NOT work through her illness based upon what we think is appropriate. If chooses to join us, I wish her the best in her pursuits. If she chooses not to join us, I wish her the best. I love Roger’s line: “Kindness usually doesn’t hurt people…We need more of it.”
Suzy can work through things the way she needs to but that doesn’t mean we have to celebrate her past behavior.
He who is without sin cast the first stone.
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