J Dub Definitely Over Coaching Spat
February 7, 2008 by · 1 Comment
Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner is preparing to break Michael’s Johnson’s 400-meter world record.
Jeremy Wariner has the track world talking again!
The 400-meter sprinter spoke with the press on Monday at a promotional event set up by Adidas in Beijing.
Jeremy refused to talk about last month’s coaching change, however he did take the opportunity to proclaim that his agent, Michael Johnson, might lose his status as the 400-meter world record holder in Beijing or possibly sooner. Last season, Wariner ran a personal best time of 43.45 and is rapidly getting closer to Johnson’s world record of 43.18.
“I’m looking forward to defending my title and hopefully breaking the world record,” he said on Monday. “Honestly, if I haven’t broken it before the Olympics, I know I can break it at the Olympics.”
He and long-time Coach Clyde Hart split ways over a contract dispute in which Hart was offered less money to work in 2008. Despite what has been said by critics, J Dub does not regret the decision to train with new Baylor Assistant Coach Michael Ford.
Jeremy is currently preparing for his 2008 debut next week in Australia.
Wariner & Hart Splitsville
January 30, 2008 by · Leave a Comment
Jeremy Wariner clocks a time of 43.35 seconds to win 2004 Olympic GamesIn a sport not known for break ups over money, Jeremy Wariner and long-time Coach Clyde Hart are no longer working together. The end of the relationship comes as the two parties are unable to settle on contract terms only seven months before the Olympics.
Labor disputes about compensation are commonplace in other sports, but these kinds of disputes are rarely heard about in track & field. While specifics were not released, Coach Hart reportedly was offered a less lucrative contract than in years past.
A coaching change may be a blow to some runners but Prerace Jitters believes that Jeremy’s passion to run and access to coaching guidance will probably not alter his Olympic year performance and overall career.
Meanwhile, Coach Hart undoubtly will have his hands full preparing Sanya Richards for her highly anticipated solo run at 400 meter gold in Beijing.
Disputes like this show the world how much money is at stake at the most elite levels of track & field. In this case, however, Prerace Jitters thinks that all involved parties will land on their feet.
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to our YouTube channel