Becki Robinson thought about the first time she saw a javelin thrown and remembered the indescribable rush of adrenaline she felt when she saw that gleaming, silver spear arcing gracefully through the summer sky. This was during the 2004 Athens Olympics when she was only 13 years old, and for her, a defining moment in her young life. Then and there, Becki swore to herself that one day in the future, she too would throw the javelin in the Olympic Games, and represent her country with honor. She began to read voraciously about the sport, haunted the library and later, the Internet. The backyard soon became her practice field and a broomstick – with its end carefully whittled to a point – became her Olympic javelin. Her father Tom, tending to his spicy pepper garden at the end of the yard, would watch his thin daughter prancing down the footpath and smile to himself as she flung the ungainly implement time after time. “Crazy girl, but it keeps her busy,” he mused.
Two years passed. Becki was a normal high school student and yes, she still threw the javelin, but now, she actually threw a regulation women’s javelin, and she had actually won a few small trophies in local meets. Her parents were immensely proud of her and attended every track meet in which she participated – sometimes driving across three states to do so. One day, while she was competing in a junior-level meet, a rotund man approached her father.” Hi there, I’m Coach Mike Jameson from State University. I’m the assistant women’s track coach, and I’ve been watching Becki for about a year now. I’ve got to tell you, she may have the goods for competing at the college level. She has to get better in some areas, but she definitely has the potential to be on the State University track team …I’m talking about a full-ride college scholarship for Becki with all expenses paid. But, right now, no guarantees. Becki has talent, no doubt, but in my opinion, she lacks shoulder strength, leg drive, and explosiveness. She has taught herself well, but she needs some professional help if she expects to get to the next level and beyond. Get her that help, and I bet her throws increase by eight to 10 meters and more, which means I can definitely guarantee her that full ride.”
On the way home, the Robinsons talked about what the coach said. They decided that if Becki needed some professional training, they had better start looking around. One day, Becki came in from getting the mail holding up a small red and black postcard. On the card was a simple message: “Jon’s Fitness Center Specializing in Athlete Performance Training.”
“Mom and Dad, I think we have found it,” she said.
“Sounds good. Let’s go,” they said.
Jon Taylor was the owner of Jon’s Fitness Center. He had his head trainer carefully evaluate Becki from head to toe. They had her perform some of the specific training protocols in which their center specialized.
“Becki, I really believe I can help you improve your performance in three critical areas: straight-ahead speed; declarative speed, and posterior chain strength. We will do so with specific exercises that will both target your weaker areas, and support the motion of a javelin throw. We will obviously not ignore your general conditioning, or GPP. We will also work on having you gain about eight pounds of lean muscle. That, plus your normal track training, should give you the desired results you seek. We can structure a program that will be comprehensive and support you through your entire high school career for $3995 per year,” said Taylor.
“Sounds like a plan, especially when you consider the return on our investment,” said her Dad, as he pulled out his wallet.” Jon, do you take Visa…?”
Sure enough, Jon’s Athlete Performance Plan showed results. Becki’s mother was so fascinated with the results that she enrolled in a similar adult program and convinced her husband to cancel their other fitness membership and make Jon’s club their home.
Becki faithfully attended every session for the next three years and was able to throw a Junior World Record in a meet in Philadelphia. Perhaps the proudest moment of her life was the day coach Jameson called her to let her know that she had indeed earned that full ride…And, a spot on the U.S.A. Junior Team. “What a long road from the days of tossing a broomstick…all the way to a full college scholarship,” Becki thought.
The moral of this story is that there are plenty of Becki Robinsons in your area. Right under your nose, right now. Many of them have parents who can do the simple math… What is cheaper, $3995 for four years for professional training, or $25,000 for four years at a top college? It’s up to YOU, the provider, to learn the proper system and protocols to reach out to the Beckis of the world. Can you do it? Do so, and your training books will be full for the long haul.
Corey Miceli is the Founder and Owner of d1 Performance. To see if you club qualifies for an athlete performance department, visit www.d1usa.com, or call 800.806.2107.
