Young runner needs to learn a lesson from Maurice Greene-like stunt | Opinion
Maurice Greene could be considered one of the greatest track and field athletes to represent not just our region, but the whole county on the world stage. The Kansas City, Kansas, native’s words and actions hold weight in sprinter circles. Greene, you might remember, once took part in a notorious post-race celebration after a race to symbolize how fast he ran: He pretended he had to pull his shoes off quickly because they were too hot, and a member of his team ran out to douse them on the track with a fire extinguisher.
While I am a huge fan of this hometown hero, I disagree with his assertion that a high school track star in California should get back the state title she was stripped of because of unsportsmanlike behavior.
Late last month, 16-year-old Clara Adams won the California Interscholastic Federation 400-meter championship. After finishing the race in 53.24 seconds, the Salinas, California, native ran to the bleachers to retrieve a fire extinguisher from her father and coach. In what appeared to be a nod to Greene’s 2004 celebration, Clara put out the metaphorical fire on her track spikes.
Greene may be OK with this young track star’s antics but I’m not.
“If it was away from everyone and not interfering with anyone, I would say reinstate her,” Greene told a California television station, according to Fox News.
Yes, the race was over and the celebration occurred away from the track, as her father, David Adams, told reporters. But this faux pas, while cute and endearing, immediately caught the wrath of CIF officials — and Clara was disqualified on the spot. Her antics also cost her an opportunity to compete in a 200-meter championship race, according to reports.
Sportsmanship important in youth athletics
“I was having fun,” Clara told The Los Angeles Times. “I’d never won something like that before, and they took it away from me. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
I hate to break it to this young athlete, but rules are in place for a reason. Whether we like them or not, there are certain parameters in sports that we must follow. And sportsmanship is very important in youth athletics.
As a certified basketball official in Missouri, I have witnessed far too many instances of unruliness from players, coaches and fans. Abusive behavior at sporting events has led to a shortage of youth sports officials in Missouri, Kansas and nationwide, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
I applaud the CIF for enforcing its rules.
Clara’s father told reporters that the celebration was his idea and that CIF officials stole the moment from his daughter.
“That was our moment of celebration, and CIF officials made it about them,” he said.
No, sir, you made the moment about you when you decided this stunt was OK. As an adult, he should have known better. The family is considering legal action to address this perceived wrong, but they shouldn’t waste their time or resources.
Instead, they should focus on Clara’s future as a sprinter. She is obviously talented — she reportedly signed a name, image and likeness deal in the immediate aftermath of this unfortunate event — and better days are ahead for this budding star.
Clara and other young athletes out there should learn from this how important it is to adhere to the rules that govern competition. Maybe this lesson, as difficult as it is now, could propel her to greatness down the road.
Greene is a five-time world champion sprinter and holds four Olympic gold medals. About 26 years ago, he broke the 100 meter world record with an astonishing time of 9.79 seconds — folks, that’s really fast.
As a world-class sprinter, Greene was afforded the right to celebrate as he saw fit. Clara is an amateur beholden by her state’s rules on sportsmanship. Like it or not, she has to deal with the consequences associated with her antics.
