Eros, perhaps I haven’t been clear in elucidating my affinity for the Soviet model. It’s exactly the organization of it that interests me.
My criticism of so many of the ‘coaching models’ in my country stems from the lack of a unified system.
I believe in unified systems; however, I must impart subjectivity when defining my idea of what the unification is characterized by.
People seem to forget that even when the Soviet Union existed there was a great deal of individualized coaching efforts, even amidst the piece meal system.
Just imagine, if in the western hemisphere, Charlie, or Pfaff, or Smith were in a position to construct a blueprint for the entire nation that still provided for individualization by the coach practitioners. this is wildly speculative; however, I’d wager large sums of money (if I had them) that the current situation would be galactically improved upon.
Regarding genetics, it is my opinion that genetics must be acknowledged as without a certain genetic ‘makeup’ the highest sports results in the sprints are physiologically unattainable.
Also, while there is far less influence from the former Eastern Bloc in the USA, in comparison to parts of Europe, I’ve had the great fortune of developing a very close relationship with the Verkhoshansky family as well as correspondence with Dr. Issurin thus anything that I am able to share with respect to Soviet methods is reflective of what I’ve learned first hand from these esteemed individuals as well as others.
I, like, others, believe in assimilating only what I find to be particularly beneficial to my coaching model and the training of my athletes.
As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger- 'What you mean ‘we’ kemo sabe?"