Eugene, the capital of track and field, where the U.S. national track and field team held its first training camp.
This afternoon, the main track of the track and field has been cleared, and the men's 400-meter test event will be held here.
Except for three athletes participating in the Olympics and one substitute, the other four are sparring partners, but the level of sparring is also very high. If they were placed in other countries, they would be enough to participate in the Olympics.
After all, this is Eugene, the capital of track and field, and you can find high-level sparring partners for any track and field event. And these sparring partners are happy to train with the national team.
Alvin stood on the best stage, exuding an aura of calmness and authority. Although this was just an inconsequential training session, as the king of the 400 meters, he did not hesitate to show his dominance before the game.
Whether they were contestants or sparring partners, they all looked at Alvin with admiration. This kind of treatment could only be enjoyed by Alvin. For 400-meter athletes, this training race is also a process of chasing stars, and it is a real "chasing" for stars, because Alvin will definitely run at the front.
On the sidelines, the US team's coaching staff was also talking about Irvin.
"Irwin's performance after his comeback is really good. It feels no different from before he retired." Coach A said.
"I think if there is an award for the best comeback, this award must be awarded to Alvin. This comeback, he is obviously aiming for the Olympic championship. Winning four consecutive Olympic championships is exciting just thinking about it." Coach B responded.
"Although he is 34 years old, his physical condition is better than that of a 24-year-old boy! I don't know how he maintains it." Coach C said.
"A genius is a genius. It's not something that us mortals can understand. Looking back at when I was 34 years old, my beer belly had already appeared." Coach A couldn't help but patted his belly.
"Personal factors are certainly important, but the coach's training is also an area worthy of attention. To allow a 34-year-old athlete to perform in such a state, this kind of training must be very reasonable and targeted. You know Alvin Where did you train after your comeback?" Coach B asked.
"Speaking of Irvine's coach, you must have heard of him. His name is Dai Li, the Chinese coach in Los Angeles." Coach A replied.
Coach B nodded: "So it's him! He's also Alvin's coach!"
"Really? Besides Alvin, are there any other athletes?" Coach A asked.
"And Justin Alexander and Sean Ford." Coach B replied.
"Alexander was suspended for several years before. His situation is very similar to Alvin, except that he is younger than Alvin. He also returned to his peak condition soon after his comeback. It seems that Dai Li is very good at helping. This kind of athlete who has not participated in the competition for a long time has come back." Coach C commented.
"What I'm concerned about is another point. Judging from their results, Irvine, Alexander and Ford all have the possibility of winning the Olympics. If all three of them really win the Olympics, that would be amazing. ! There are only a few gold medals in track and field events? It is already amazing to be able to produce one champion athlete, but he may have three champion athletes in the same Olympic Games!" Coach A sighed.
"Three championships are unlikely. You don't know how difficult it is to win gold in the Olympics. If any Chinese can really do it, he will definitely be called the number one track and field coach in the United States!" Coach B said.
Coach A shook his head: "Don't say the United States is number one, I think it's not an exaggeration to say number one in the world!"
"Shh... you two keep your voices down, don't let Sebastian hear." Coach C reminded kindly.
…
In the conference room, a group of coaches sat around the table. Like Sebastian, they were also recruited by the USA Track and Field Association and were responsible for different competition events.
Kevin, the deputy head coach of the US team who was in charge of presiding over the meeting, shook a table in his hand and said: "We have held practice matches for three consecutive days, and the results of the three times have been calculated, and now they are in your hands. The results of this training match basically reflect the level of the athletes."
"Our scientific research team entered the results of the three practice matches into the computer, and then compared the data with track and field athletes from other countries. After computer comparison and calculation, it has calculated the number of gold, silver and bronze medals each athlete won in the Olympics. Probability. Please look at the second page, which is the result of computer calculation."
"Of course, the calculation results of the computer cannot be taken seriously. After all, there are many variables in a real game. But the calculation results of this computer can be used as a reference indicator, which allows us to see more intuitively. Where are we? There is a relatively high chance of winning the event. Let’s discuss the probability calculated by the computer today. Let’s start the 100-meter dash now!”
Everyone looked down at the table, but a coach in charge of sprinting frowned and said, "I think the winning probability calculated by the computer is generally a little lower. Take Walton as an example, he won the championship. The probability is only 12.5%. You must know that his current best time is within 9 seconds 80. With Gittel having retired, I think this is a result that will definitely win the championship. How can there be only a 12.5% probability? ! And Alexander, his winning rate is probably 12.8%, which is higher than Wharton, but in the trials, Alexander lost to Wharton, and in the last three practice matches, Alexander also lost two times and won one against Wharton. Being at a disadvantage, I think this result is unreasonable.”
Kevin carefully recorded what the coach said, and then explained: "The first point you mentioned is that the probability of winning the championship calculated by the computer is low. This should not be based on a single athlete, but on the overall situation. You can see it. In computer calculations, the total probability of all athletes winning the championship will be 100%, so if divided into each athlete, the number will not be very high. But if the probabilities of the three athletes participating in our American team are compared If added, it has exceeded 33.3%, which means that our American team has more than 30% probability of winning this gold medal."
"As for your second point, Alexander has a higher probability of winning than Wharton. The situation is like this. When the computer collects data, it also collects the player's past competition experience and honors he has received. According to the information, Alexander has participated in many international competitions, including the Olympic Games, and he has richer competition experience, while Wharton has less experience in this area, so after computer calculation, Wharton’s winning probability is not as good as Alexander’s.”
After hearing Kevin's explanation, the sprint coach immediately shook his head, and then said: "That's not right. Look at the 200-meter event, Sean Ford's winning probability is 18.1%. This is also Too high! As far as I know, Ford has only participated in one world championship and has not participated in other world-class competitions. Meyer and Foster have more experience in international competitions than him, but their probability of winning is below him."
Kevin went on to explain: "This is mainly because Ford's results in the last three practice sessions are so good! All three times were within 19 seconds 90. His current condition is really amazing, especially in the first 100 meters. In the corners, it’s much faster than others.”
"Of course, this result is half a second behind Gittel at his peak, but it is fast enough. Since Gittel retired, the level of sprinting around the world has also dropped a lot, especially the 200 meters. There are relatively few events and competitions, and there are not many athletes who specialize in 200-meter training. In some world-class competitions last year, the championship results were all within 20 seconds, and even those who ran 20 seconds and 10 seconds could win the world championship. Championship. Based on this calculation, Sean Ford’s current results are indeed very competitive to win the championship.”
"What about Alvin's 55% probability of winning? His probability of winning is higher than all the other players combined?" the sprint coach immediately asked again.
Kevin smiled slightly and asked: "Don't you think Alvin can't win four consecutive Olympic Games? If you ask me, 55% is a bit too low."
The sprint coach was speechless. If the most trustworthy athlete in this US team is undoubtedly Jimmy Irvine, as a 400-meter watcher, Irvin has shown that he is not inferior to the four sprinters now. The situation a year ago, four consecutive Olympic championships has become the consensus of the United States. "
…
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, seemingly listening to the discussions of other coaches, but he was thinking about another thing.
"After so many days, why is there still no news from the Franklin Laboratory? If there is no news, the Olympic Games will start soon!"
Sebastian lowered his head and looked at the computer analysis in his hand. The winning probability calculated by the computer made his expression twitch uncontrollably.
"Alvin, Alexander, and Ford, these three guys are still in such good condition. If this condition is maintained until the Olympics, they can really win the Olympic gold medal. That is the Olympic champion! Damn it , That Dai Li can actually get such a powerful stimulant, if I can have this thing, I can definitely create a large number of world champions!"
"I'm afraid the Franklin Laboratory is hopeless. I can't wait passively like this. I have to take the initiative! Regardless of whether it's useful or not, I have to talk to these three people. If I'm lucky, I might actually be able to find out. News about new stimulants.”
…
Mission: Find out about new stimulants.
Target One: Justin Alexander
Sebastian walked up to Alexander with a smile on his face.
"Hey, Justin, the weather is really nice today!" Sebastian used a very common opening line.
When Alexander saw it was Sebastian, he didn't say a word, just snorted coldly, turned around and left.
After all, the two have a grudge.
mission failed!
…
Target person two: Sean Ford.
Sebastian walked up to Ford with a smile on his face.
"Hey! Sean, the weather is really nice today!" Sebastian once again used the universal opening line.
"Hello, Coach Sebastian, the weather today is very good and suitable for exercise." Ford said politely.
"Sean, how have you been training recently? Is there anything you feel uncomfortable with?" Sebastian then asked.
Ford shook his head: "No, I'm very used to training here."
"Actually, I'm very curious. What is the reason for your recent performance to improve so rapidly? I know that in recent years, your performance has been very average, and it was only in the past few months that it got better. It must be because of the use of Some more unique training methods?" Sebastian asked.
"It's some different training than before." Ford nodded.
"Oh? What kind of training is it? Tell me." Sebastian asked expectantly.
"Well..." Ford suddenly remembered that Dai Li had warned him not to reveal that he had changed his running method.
So Ford's voice changed: "This is a secret!"
"Secret? What secret?" Sebastian asked subconsciously.
"Of course it's a secret that cannot be told." Ford smiled honestly: "Many athletes have their own unique skills, and this needs to be kept secret!"
Sebastian hit a soft nail, but he did not give up. He then asked: "Then what nutritional and health products do you usually use, such as fish oil, vitamins, protein powder, and tomato?"
Sebastian hoped that Ford could reveal information about new stimulants, but Ford shook his head: "I didn't use those things."
"It's useless? It's impossible, right?" Sebastian obviously didn't believe this answer.
Ford suddenly showed a look that he was hesitant to speak.
"It's fun! Maybe we can find out something useful!" Sebastian thought of this and lowered his voice and said: "Did you use some niche brand products or special nutritional supplements? It doesn't matter, you can tell I, I am your coach, we have the same goal, which is the Olympic gold medal, so we are comrades in the same trench, you can trust me!"
"Okay!" Ford sighed, but his expression became awkward. He whispered: "Those nutritional products for athletes are relatively expensive. I haven't achieved decent results in the past few years, and I don't have a fixed formula." As for the source of income, I often need to work part-time to support myself. Daily training is already very expensive, so I can’t afford those nutritional products.”
"Because I can't afford it... Okay..." Sebastian was immediately discouraged. He never expected such an answer.
Mission failed again!
…
Target person three: Jimmy Irvine.
Sebastian walked up to Alvin with a smile on his face.
"Hey! Jimmy, the weather is really nice today!" Sebastian still used the usual opening remarks.
"It's Coach Sebastian! Is something okay?" Alvin was obviously not as polite as Ford. After all, he was a legendary athlete, and the title of a superstar gave him great confidence.
"I don't have anything very important, I just want to know about your recent training." Sebastian said.
"Everything is normal, just like the past few days." Alvin replied.
"Actually, I'm very curious, what is the reason that makes your comeback so successful? To be honest, I really didn't expect that at the age of 34, you can run as fast as you did when you were in your twenties. , I have been a coach for so many years, and I have never seen a case like yours. You really surprised me! I guess you must have used some very special training methods to return to such a good competitive state, right?" Sebastian said while secretly observing Alvin's expression. He hoped to find some clues.
To Sebastian's disappointment, Alvin's expression showed no change at all.
Just listen to Alvin say: "Actually, there is no very special training. I think it has something to do with how well I take care of myself. Many athletes do not maintain high-intensity exercise after retirement, so they get in shape very quickly. I’m out of shape, I’m different, even after I retire, I still have to remain a sports athlete for two to three hours a day.”
Alvin's answer was exactly the same as when he explained the reporter's interview before, without even changing a word. This answer was obviously perfunctory to Sebastian.
Sebastian was of course very dissatisfied with the order. He then asked: "Then what nutritional health products do you use? Such as fish oil, vitamins, protein powder, tomato..."
"I rarely use those things. I mainly get nutrients from food. My nutritionist will adjust the recipes for me every week, and I also have a dedicated chef in charge of this part." Alvin changed his voice and continued. : "I have some suggestions regarding this. I hope that there can be more vegetables in the national team's meals. I mean variety, not quantity. For example, in our lunch today, the only vegetables are salads, and there are a lot of them. of mangoes and strawberries, not many real vegetables.”
"In addition, I suggest providing boiled eggs, which are eggs cooked directly in water. Although the taste is not the best, it can provide protein that is easier to absorb. Now our restaurant only has omelets, and they are still very thin. This method makes the eggs absorb too much oil, which is too greasy for me. As a track and field athlete, I shouldn't eat such greasy things, but I have to eat it because I need to supplement protein."
"Also, there is no whole wheat bread in our restaurant; the fat content of milk is too high, exceeding 2%; and there are too many varieties of red meat, while there are relatively few varieties of white meat. , you know, red meat has a saturated fatty acid content of 3%, while white meat has a saturated fatty acid content of less than 10%. Throwing athletes may need more red meat to maintain strength, but we sprinters still need it. White meat.”
"Also, I think the restaurant should provide almond slices..."
"Then let me talk about training. Our physical training room does not open until after 8:30, and it closes at 5 pm. The time is short. You must know that during this period, we basically train outdoors. , but when we needed to use the training room, it was closed."
"And there's sparring..."
"The other thing is the coach's training plan... "
"Coach Sebastian, let me give you some personal advice..."
Sebastian nodded helplessly while listening.
If it were any other athlete, he would definitely not dare to talk to him, the head coach of the U.S. Track and Field Team, like this. But Alvin is different. He is a legendary athlete, and his identity and status in the sports world are much greater than Sebastian. Alvin is fully qualified to point fingers at him, the head coach of the national team.
"Okay, let's talk about this first! It's getting late, Coach Sebastian, I'm going to train first." Alvin finally finished his "little suggestions" and turned around to leave, leaving Sebastian behind. An stood there blankly.
"I'm here to inquire about news. Why do I think I'm here to serve my ancestors? He just said a dozen things, right? Am I the head coach, or is he the head coach?"
Mission failed for the third time!