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"Shin Splints"
A Blog by Doug Logan

Superpower as Mendicant

Monday, October 19, 2009

It was early in November in 1967 in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. I was a 2nd Lieutenant Artillery forward observer, whose first assignment was to an ARVN [Army of the Republic of Vietnam] infantry battalion. No one in the unit spoke English; the battalion commander had fought with the French at Dien Bien Phu and spoke French fluently. It dawned on me that my proficiency in the language taught to me by Frere Hubert in high school might mean the difference between life and death. What a final exam!

On the first day we went out on an operation, a young recruit came over to me at the assembly area and picked up my rucksack. I immediately wrestled it away from him. He indicated to me with grunts and sign language that he wanted to carry my pack. I forcefully indicated that I carried my own gear, and as I trudged off I could see he was visibly upset. He followed me at a respectful distance, and throughout the day his buddies teased him and made fun of him. By evening he was almost in tears with embarrassment.

That night, as I shared a Galois with the battalion Commanding Officer (CO) under a strung poncho, I received a valuable life-lesson. The CO admonished me for having caused one of his troops to lose face. When I argued that we Americans were far more egalitarian in our outlook, and I was trying to set the example, he reminded me that I was in his country, and all I had done was to insult one of my hosts.

The next day, I let the kid carry my rucksack.

In 1994, I was the CEO of a Mexican-owned entertainment company based in Mexico City. I was having a problem with the terms of one of my sponsorship contracts and sought out a lunch meeting with the CEO of the sponsor to try to get the issue resolved. The afternoon of the lunch meeting we met at a downtown spot and proceeded to get to know one another. We spent 2 ˝ hours leisurely dining and discussing family, politics, sports and our backgrounds. The thorny contractual issue never came up.

As I drove back to my office I was upset with myself that I had not achieved my original objective and was concerned over admitting this to my staff. When I arrived at the office, my secretary reported that the assistant to my lunch companion had called to say that he had enjoyed our meeting and invited me to a party the next week. Oh, and by the way, that he had straightened out the issue between us.

These two incidents, to me, are examples of the naďveté of Americans attempting to do business abroad. Our aggressive MBA-influenced business practices are seen as rude and uncivilized. We do not take the time to study the culture of our hosts and adapt to local customs. We are dependent upon speaking our own language. We do not value relationship-building over a prolonged period of time. We insist on separating our "personal" lives from our "professional" lives. We are not aware that an espresso is more powerful than a spreadsheet. In short, we stick out like the proverbial brown shoes with a tuxedo.

It is instructive to watch an American speak to a foreigner in English. The volume goes up; the pace of speech is slowed; the vocabulary is simplified. It is like watching an adult talk to a child. And this is obvious to the recipient.

These failings, as much as any other, were the major contributors to the failed bid for the Olympic Games in 2016. Yes, the Brazilians were brilliant with their strategy and spent six years marketing their city. Yes, the IOC voters participated in bloc voting. Yes, we had some issues with the current TV/Sponsorship revenue sharing agreements. Yes, we suffered from the perception that the '96 Games in Atlanta were tawdry and over-commercialized. And, yes, we executed a ham-handed launch of the US Olympic Network.

But, the root of our failures with both the New York and Chicago bids is that we have made few friends in the international sports community. We have a department of international relations at the USOC instead of considering global relations a central element of institutional leadership. Our leaders do not consider the art of savoir faire as important; they do not mingle after meetings; they do not exchange small gifts.

As a result, we, the most powerful economic, military and athletic nation in the world, have become one of the weakest when it comes to political capital in the world of international sports. This is reflected in our lack of influence at the IOC, at the International Federations for each sport, and whenever we attempt to mobilize support for events or projects. We are reduced to begging for support from officials whom we really don't know and who owe us nothing.

At USA Track & Field, we have in the last year greatly increased our efforts to strengthen our international standing. Not as an athletic superpower, but as a productive member and friend of the international athletics community. Many of the gestures are small, and many involve simply being present as a participant at other nations' important events, whether a Cuban competition, a British announcement or a German goodwill ceremony. We are engaging other federations to come up with cooperative efforts in the competitive arena, as well as in the political realm of track and field.

We have done this because every international American sport federation must heed the lesson:

We will not be a player until we learn how to play.

A final anecdote is telling. Late last summer I had a discussion with an important member of the IOC. He was expressing disillusionment with the leadership of the USOC, and our country, in general. He made the following remarkable statement:

"You Americans are a bunch of hypocrites. After the revelations of the irregularities in the selection of Salt Lake City, your Congress, led by Senator McCain, pilloried all of us in the Olympic movement. They humiliated President Samaranch, took away our travel and perks, and made us all look like crooks. As I recall, McCain almost got indicted as a member of the Keating 5, regularly flies on airplanes provided by pharmaceutical companies and has an enormous political war-chest provided by special interests."

And we wonder why Chicago lost?

COMMENTS
Sounds valid to me. What has USATF done specifically to improve in these areas?
Posted by: J. Logan on 10/19/2009 12:07:06 PM PT
Doug, you do not understand. USA did not lose, the world and the USA are better off for the wise selection of Brazil.
Posted by: Tom Derderian on 10/19/2009 1:58:12 PM PT
We get it, you are bilingual. We get it, you served in Vietnam. We get it already. While you're at it, stop stating the obvious (once again). Tell us how, when and where you intend to make the USA more attractive to the international community. Will your key staff be enrolling in language classes? Have you taken into consideration that you and/or your staff might be the problem? You've hired several high paying directors recently. What are they doing, specifically? The people posting here are the rank and file. If you're reading these responses, then you know that public opinion is pretty weighted against you. I've shown several of your blog entries to people who know nothing of you, or track & field. Just based upon reading the entries, they felt that the writer had some very real issues with ego, control, etc., their comments being quite consistent with other responses posted here.
Posted by: sid on 10/19/2009 2:31:57 PM PT
I have been running the hurdles in the 70-74 age group, along with the 100,200 and sometimes the 400 meter sprints. I have bettered the All American standard in the 80 meter hurdles twice, but the 300 meter hurdles is too tough for us 70-74 age group people. I have yet to have another 70-74 runner to compete with in the 300 meter hurdles. I was told that you lowered it to 200 meters for the women; why not for us men? I will NO longer try to run the 300 meter hurdles until the distance is reduced. Please hear our plea, as I am writing for other runners as well as for myself. Thanks in advance for ALL you do and will do. Respectfully, John T. Carr
Posted by: John T. Carr on 10/19/2009 3:18:57 PM PT
Doug: I believe that your observations and examples are very valid. I have had occasion many times to deal with many countries in our sport. What you have have said has been reflected to me during my dealings with their sports representatives. We certainly need to improve in the areas mentioned. We all hope that lessons learned can be applied for the future benefit of our sport. as well as the USOC.
Posted by: Craig Poole on 10/19/2009 3:27:00 PM PT
Doug, You are beginning to sound like Mr. Peterman-Elaine Bettis's boss on Seinfeld.
Posted by: Tom on 10/19/2009 3:30:41 PM PT
We should be thankful Chicago didn't get the summer games --the most corrupt city in the US would only embarrass our country more. It is one of the most violent cities in America.
Posted by: mike on 10/19/2009 3:35:32 PM PT
Doug...I am still wondering why we lost the national masters XC 5K championship in FL a few weeks ago. Nice that we want to be international. Let's get a little 5K right, and a national championship. Why was it cancelled? Why didn't USATF do something? brad johnson, providence, RI
Posted by: brad johnson on 10/19/2009 3:50:05 PM PT
Who in their right mind wanted the Olympics in the US? What so our government could end up paying millions and millions at a time when we can least afford it? ets put things in perspective here: the money is better off going to improve schools, create jobs, pay down the national debt, etc. There is no way the games could be held here without creating even more debt and we have enough of that. You make valid points about the manner in which we handle our relations with other countries but really. Please focus on USATF and what needs to be improved about the Association. There is plenty to work on there. Plenty.
Posted by: Joe Lanzalotto on 10/19/2009 3:52:53 PM PT
The beauty of 'Todays' time'is that we're living in a world community,thanks to the internet and swiftness of information being disbursed.Hypocrisy did not just start in this country.But situations here & abroad are demanding our country "express through character- values and actions that can be respected."
Posted by: Sonya on 10/19/2009 4:01:15 PM PT
Alright, how about getting an IAAF World Championship in the USA? We haven't had one of those in this country. Isn't it about time?
Posted by: Larry Libow on 10/19/2009 4:32:19 PM PT
Mr Logan, I read you Blog with great interest every time. Many of your topics are interesting, even if most people do not get how they apply to our sport. I think the main reason you get criticism is that there is A LOT of talk and no one has yet to see an ounce of action, or a plan for such. I am a USATF insider, yet I have not seen a single change in teh last 18 months that will actively alter the circumstances for my athletes and the ability of my event group (Race Walking) in attracting & supporting new athletes. Beautiful prose and exceptional story telling is nice, but is not a solution to the problems that USATF faces daily. As Clara Peller used to say, "Where's the Beef?!"
Posted by: Michael J. Roth on 10/19/2009 4:43:16 PM PT
A few years back when our athletes that won the Olympic Gold in the 4 x 100 relay won--they ran around like idiots with the flag tied around their head and shirt off posing for the camera--my mother who was in her 70's at the time said that it was the most embarrasing moment in American sports history for her. If my memory serves me ( Bernard Williams, John Drummond, Maurice Green were on that team) There were no repercussions for these athletes and John Drumond still is the Athlete representitive for the elite Athletes for USATF. We just don't get it in so many ways- I think Drumond was also the guy who sat down in his lane at a recent World Championship and would not leave the Track after being disqualified--but this is the type of person that get's elected to be the representitive for all of our elite athletes--we have much to learn!
Posted by: Mark Cleary on 10/19/2009 4:51:47 PM PT
Having coached over seas on several occasions and now coaching in South Korea as National Coach (still not able to get interviews in my own country) I concur with Doug and his observations internationally are spot on. I have traveled the T&F circuit since 1986 and I have watched our international respect slowly degrade just as I have watched our coaching in the US slowly degrade in some events and improve in others. WE lost the bid for a host of reasons. Just as if we lost an Olympic medal. Now we analyze our mistakes and start planning for the future and it is appropriate for Doug to bracket the problems so we can all start to focus on same issues and focus our communication to start making some changes.
Posted by: Randy H on 10/19/2009 4:57:57 PM PT
DOUG, THAT LAST CHEAP SHOT QUOTE AGAINST A REAL WAR HERO SENATOR McCain AND YOUR EMBARRASSMENT OF BEING AN AMERICAN BUSINESMAN CAUSE ME TO BELIEVE THAT YOUR PERSONAL POLITICAL OPINIONS WILL GET IN THE WAY OF DOING THE JOB YOU WERE HIRED TO PERFORM, PLEASE KEEP YOUR LIBERAL OPINIONS TO YOURSELF. WE CAN IMPROVE HANDOFFS ON OUR OWN.
Posted by: t r schmidt on 10/19/2009 5:00:18 PM PT
I pretty much agree with 'Sid".... Doug, we got it! Vietnam vet, bilingual, have read a couple of business secrets of leadership books.....we got it. When I was stationed in Hawaii the locals had this great way of shutting down peole who were showing off, they'd say "what brah? trying?" as in trying too hard to impress. People have been attempting to tell you that, but you're not listening Doug. Finally, your last "anecdote" is telling alright, but not in the way you think it is. Imagine if an you were an "important" member of the IOC and you were having a discussion with lets say the Head of Russia's Track & Field federation and you started out by saying "You Russians are a bunch of hypocrites" is that the saavy international diplomacy you're talking about?
Posted by: troy dietz on 10/19/2009 5:06:15 PM PT
Doug, GET OVER YOURSELF. (caps intended) YOU WILL FIND THAT MANY OF OUR MASTERS RUNNERS ARE SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE LIVED FULL LIVES ... HEARING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES IS OLD NOW. YOU ARE A SMOKE MAKER - BUT THERE IS NO FIRE HERE. ITS TIME TO DELIVER AND STOP MAKING SMOKE. -nuge
Posted by: Bob Nugent on 10/19/2009 5:48:57 PM PT
I agree it is best the U.S. did not get the Olympics. It is a money sinkhole, costing taxpayers in the state and nation dear money, and anything in chicago always turns out bad. Let Brazil foot the cost, their deficit isn't as high as ours...while we work on getting the IAAF World Championships here.
Posted by: Lisa on 10/19/2009 5:58:32 PM PT
There is absolutely no reason to bring politics into your presentation by quoting an un-named person attacking Senator McCain. The quote itself demonstrates a bias and lack of understanding on the part of this un-named person. As to the U.S. "losing" the Olympic bid. All one has to do is listen to the news of Chicago during the last couple of weeks -- shootings, murders, gang violence, teens bashing and brutally hurting other teens. Why should Chicago, one of the most violent and corrupt cities in the country have gotten the Olympic bid? Throw in the economic burden at this time of economic hard times, international terrorists looking for a time and place to make a statement, and one realizes this country is better off NOT hosting the Olympics at this time.
Posted by: tom on 10/19/2009 6:12:42 PM PT
Randy H, You need keep your wingnut attitude to yourself. Your typical rightwing conservative statement has no place here. It's idots like you and hypocrites like John McCain who give America a bad name.
Posted by: Rich R. on 10/19/2009 6:24:39 PM PT
To the person who called another person posting on this message board an "idiot" look where your name is in relation to what you wrote, now look up the column at the person you identified as an "idiot for their "right wing" post. The person you named made no such comments, you identified the wrong person......would it be fair to say there's a new idiot now?
Posted by: troy dietz on 10/19/2009 6:30:16 PM PT
Lisa, you and Randy H are the ones bringing politics into the situation. McCain did what he did and should be called out for it. Just because he's a U.S. Senator doesn't place him above being called out for messing up America's image abround.
Posted by: Rich R. on 10/19/2009 6:33:39 PM PT
you did it again.....fool.
Posted by: troy dietz on 10/19/2009 6:44:09 PM PT
Ok troy dietz, I made error. t r schmidt is the idoit. And so are you if you think making an error makes one an idoit. I apologize to Randy H.
Posted by: Rich R. on 10/19/2009 6:44:47 PM PT
Hey troy dietz, you're the fool if you think pointing out someone else's mistake makes them a fool.
Posted by: Rich R. on 10/19/2009 6:48:49 PM PT
making a mistake doesn't make you an idiot...it's calling out the wrong person that makes you an idiot....that and spelling idiot incorrectly.......fool.
Posted by: troy dietz on 10/19/2009 6:50:53 PM PT
Troy dietz, once again you prove yourself to be a fool by pointing out someone else's error. What good does it do you? I'd venture to say you are not the brightest bulb in the house either. Why do you make the same mistake over and over again?
Posted by: Rich R. on 10/19/2009 7:11:59 PM PT
I agree with Joe Lanzalotto - please focus on USATF - we're still waiting to see a difference. Hosting the Olympics or a World Championships does nothing to improve how this organization functions - and sadly, neither does your illustrious background and experience. We need and want less talk and more meaningful action from you.
Posted by: Jane Runner on 10/19/2009 8:18:15 PM PT
Broaden your horizons by accepting proposals for a new USATF webmaster that do not require local residence (re: current job posting). You'll have access to innovative web designers from across the country/world by not limiting yourself to only those willing to relocate to Indianapolis for low pay. This type of work can and is accomplished successfully from anywhere - USATF just hasn't figured it out yet and continues to be stuck in a very old way of doing things. . . and it shows.
Posted by: Jane Runner on 10/19/2009 8:28:01 PM PT
Once again, a lot of hyperbole from someone who chooses a tennis match over a major IAAF event. Hello??? Talk about arrogant. You think you're showing the way for the USA, or even the USATF? This is getting sickeningly redundant. Mr. Logan, I think you're a poser. You act as if you're the 2nd coming. News flash, you're not. And you're not what the USATF needs. You refuse to even respond as to how we allowed a national championship event to get cancelled a month before the event. And you think the IAAF wants to bring its World Championships here?? It's not going to happen under your lack of leadership and absense of a real vision. And the 2016 games? No one could compete with Rio, given they'd never hosted the games on that continent. Once again, you embarrass us all for you representation of us.
Posted by: Don Bailey on 10/19/2009 8:42:50 PM PT
Wow Mr. Logan, your description of your actions and how you handled them sound remarkably similar to situations happening in our own country. You will turn this organization into shambles by disrespecting the people holding it together at the roots.
Posted by: Muck Luck on 10/19/2009 9:18:37 PM PT
hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahhahahahaa
Posted by: lugan dug on 10/19/2009 10:30:57 PM PT
The title of this entry - Superpower as Mendicant - is vulgar and highly offensive. Why not use the simpler word - beggar - instead? I'd suggest those of like mind, email the Board of Directors. Their email address can be found on usatf.org. Remember, the CEO answers to the Board.
Posted by: sid on 10/19/2009 10:50:59 PM PT
Doug, while I appreciate your comments on the failed Chicago bid, could you blog about USATF's partnership with the Millrose Games? This partnership just became official the other day, yet there is no news on the USATF website on the event, and I feel this blog would give you a great platform to discuss the partnership at greater length. Just a suggestion.
Posted by: Scott Bush on 10/20/2009 6:33:40 AM PT
Mr. Logan, One must clean up their own backyard before attempting to clean up the world. I have served with many of our top coaches and athletes in this federation and found a vast number do not have even the most basic understanding of the term diplomacy. Perhaps if you paid a little more attention to some of those in a position of authority within your organization, the world would see us in a better light.
Posted by: Ray on 10/20/2009 6:40:22 AM PT
Mr Logan our main concer when we come to this site to see what you have to say is solely about the USATF.Our day to day ,year to year strategies and what exactly you have planned that is in anyway different then what we presently have;Poor marketing,miniscule sponsorship agreements with 4 corporations listed here, no variety in conceptual meet presentations, and a lack of vision.Although you are new to USATF we are not. No one ever polls the athletes. You run three different corporations a youth organization with 501-c capablilities ,an elite sthlete corporation and a masters corporation. What i want to see is the vision in marketing and planning that clearly addresses those 3 divisions. while i may be interested in your sidebar comments about the Olympic movement,you have been hired as the CEO of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and field, long distance running, and race walking. in a country of thoasands of road races and millions of runners the organization has more than 90,000 members throughout the country of 360 million people .please show us your vision laid out. Now as for your Indianapolis office it would seem that too many people with no prior corporate exoerience are in charge of too much. we lag behind other sports for a myriad of reasons but a key reason is that for years USATF has lacked any new thoughts on how to make this an exciting and profitable venture for all.Please concentrate on that .We dont need a diplomat we need a worker who can dissect and make tough bold new plans to excite the USA.
Posted by: patrick on 10/20/2009 6:50:12 AM PT
Patrick - well said. But I would submit we have 3 divisions. Open Track (where most of the time and money go), Road Racing (where most of the members and money comes from) and everyone else (who are on their own). Maybe it's time to break up USATF.
Posted by: John Reardon on 10/20/2009 10:53:59 AM PT
The people saying Chicago shouldn't have gotten the Olympics because of violence clearly didn't do their homework on Rio.
Posted by: King on 10/20/2009 10:58:45 AM PT
Mr. Logan, the Chicago bid might be a concern if it actually could help a large percentage of your members, however I sent you an email with an essay I wrote about the state of track and field and I don't think we can worry about international issues until we shore up our issues here. We have not competed well internationally of late I think it has to do with our lack luster grassroots program. Most of your USATF members have trouble even finding facilities. Perhaps we should take a cue from the US Lacrosse Federation. They help its members locate facilities and provide first year programs in need with equipment grants. Can USATF boast such programs? By the way locrosse has doubled its participation numbers in the first ten years their federation was formed, 1998-2008.
Posted by: Branko Miric on 10/20/2009 7:50:03 PM PT
I don't think we have even learned the hard way. We don't seem to have learned at all. We have the greatest resources in the world, a huge population from which to develop athletes, and no organization to put it all together. Our leadership (Mr. Logan) is doing a terrible job as far as I can see at any aspect of track and field that one could name. I do not care to be lectured as to how great other countries are or how badly they think of us. I could care less. What I would like to see is Logan put forward a plan to get us out of the rut in track and field, and the directors hold him responsible. Where is the board when Logan is going to a tennis match instead of the World Championships? If tennis is that important to Logan, perhaps he should resign from the USATF and get a job in tennnis. Also, I watched the Olympics and the Worlds on a big screen hi-def tv, and I did not see Senator McCain, a decorated war hero, drop the baton or run on the lane lines, or pass the baton out of his exchange zone. If I wanted to see liberal leaning politics displayed, I could watch any of the networks except Fox. What was Logan doing while this unnamed foreigner was bashing our country and calling us names? The people connected with the Olympics should be pilloried. Many of them have behave like crooks. This guy seems more worried about losing his expense money and perks than he is about the athletes. The USATF and USIOC have become as bad as the old AAU as far as thinking about a bunch of fat, old men and not thinking about the athletes. I am about to the point of getting together with some others and forming our own Masters organization and going forward. The USATF regularly demonstrates that we don't matter, anyway.
Posted by: ross on 10/21/2009 2:28:13 PM PT
Doug- If I may speak for everyone, why are your new Directors not working in Indy. USATF is in a lot of trouble and you've clearly put in worse shape. Major League Soccer canned your ass for a reason. Maybe all members of USATF should ask for your resignation. I do ask for everyone to pay close attention to ESPN over the next two months. Mr. Logan, you are in for a ride for your life. I friend of mine attempted to contact coaching education the other day and couldn't speak to the Director due to her not being in Indy. Something is wrong here or maybe the US. Wake up Doug!
Posted by: John Smoke on 10/21/2009 4:31:36 PM PT
Yow John - just what we need is more myopia by moving everyone and their brother to Indianapolis - gathering a group of people in the same place does nothing to cure a dysfunctional organization. If you were trying to reach Terry Crawford, she now runs the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Should she quit her job there and move to Indianapolis? I think the problems are evident to anyone paying attention, near or far. I know this organization is in the dark ages, but there are options: phone, e-mail, wikis, Skype, web conferencing, etc. that can be used for communication and collaboration - oh, that's right, we're talking about USATF - forget it.
Posted by: Jane Runner on 10/21/2009 5:05:32 PM PT
USATF seems like a government run organization: Can't reach anyone, slow to make possitive changes, self explanatory changes take forever, overpaid executives at the top, and a "leader" who is more interested in making great speeches rather then get viable long term results that benefit the people who are most affected: the athletes.
Posted by: Quinn on 10/21/2009 6:19:34 PM PT
I just checked the USOC website. It seems their/our Chief of International Relations is Fluent in 4 languages, and has spent 12 years working for the IAAF in Rome. He was the chief of staff to the IAAF president. Do those qualifications sound appropriate Mr. Logan? Do you think it's possible he has a clue when it comes to doing business with IOC members? If we only knew what was on his Ipod.....
Posted by: Don Bailey on 10/21/2009 8:13:30 PM PT
In light of this conversation-I would like to know while you were in NYC making the partnership with the armory for milrose why was the local governing body left out of this historical venture-The local governing body should have been invited to attend-Metropolitan Athletic Congress should have been present since Milrose Games will be held in NYC-(Maybe we are not big enough to attend these meetings-maybe our membership dollars should be ignored also and returned back to sender-Next time you are in NYC please consider meeting with the association in which you are obligated to uphold.
Posted by: dawn best on 10/23/2009 10:43:48 AM PT
Cycling has found an audience and is taking advantage of USATF missteps - the Modesto Relays sponsors are gone in favor of the Tour of California: http://www.modbee.com/sports/story/904507.html
Posted by: Jane Runner on 10/23/2009 8:03:06 PM PT
When The Modesto Relays was moved to Sacramento (renamed California Invitational Relays), it was supposed to have its first installment this past spring. However, the event did not happen due to a lack of funding. The money needed was $100K, but USATF chose not to fund it, thereby breaking a tradition that has lasted over 68 years. They clearly had the capacity to do so, but failed miserably in the eyes of track fans throughout the country (and the world).
Posted by: sid on 10/23/2009 10:27:37 PM PT
I have no connection to USATF, I have never ran a race, thrown a javelin or pole vaulted. However, each month, I am glued to this blog to hear Mr. Logan's latest"Shin Splints" It is comical for a CEO of any organzation to put such rubbish in print each month. Surely, someone of influence must be reading this stuff, I pity the 90,000 paying this salary.
Posted by: Barry Norton on 10/25/2009 8:39:24 PM PT
Mr. Logan: You need to have a national athletics facility and push for the IAAF World Championships. You can't control what the USOC does. They can't control what they do, obviously. You can't control what the other sports federations do. But do take lessons from Salt Lake City. They had a mess and cleaned it up. Listen to people like Lopez Lamong, Bernard Legate, Manzano, and other expatriots who can give you first hand information on our perception around the world. If we can host a great IAAF World Championships, then you have done all that you can do. Build the house, then throw the party!!
Posted by: gary on 10/27/2009 1:22:54 PM PT
"It's a great day for American running and for USA Track & Field," USA Track & Field CEO Doug Logan said. "Based on the consistent upswing in our long-distance performances, we knew it would only be a matter of time until our men won another major marathon. I promise that we will not have to wait 27 years for another victory." You are so pompous and have nothing to do with their success - and I mean nothing. Barry is right - this blog and your continual need to blather on about nothing of substance is really embarrassing.
Posted by: Joe Runner on 11/1/2009 7:18:28 PM PT
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Photo of Doug Logan Doug Logan is the CEO of USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and field, long distance running, and race walking. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the organization has more than 90,000 members throughout the country.