Track & Field

Athlete coachability: A thirst for knowledge and independent growth

Okay, so what makes an athlete coachable? I think the biggest thing that makes an athlete coachable is the athlete being willing to learn and understand that it's going to take more than what they have given to get the best results that they're seeking. I think the thing that makes an athlete coachable is a desire to learn beyond just the practice field or the weight room, that you do your own research, your own studies, and that sort of thing. I think the way that you become better is by you doing your own due diligence outside of just being around the coach. So I think that's what makes an athlete coachable.

An athlete who is coachable has a desire to learn beyond just the practice field or weight room and does their own research and studies. They also have an open mind and willingness to understand that it will take more effort than what they have put in to get the best results.

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What makes an athlete coachable? The key factor is the athlete's willingness to learn and recognize that achieving the best results requires more effort than what they have already given. A coachable athlete goes beyond the practice field or weight room and actively seeks knowledge through personal research and studies. Taking initiative and doing their own due diligence outside of coach interactions is what ultimately helps an athlete improve and become more coachable.

Do you believe in the maxim 'hard work beats talent, unless talent works hard, and if so, what's your secret to motivating the talented?

Character trumps talent: The secret to motivating the talented

Do you believe in the maxim, hard work beats talent, unless talent works hard? And if so, what's your secret to motivating the talented? Okay, so I think that talent gets you there, but I won't say hard work, I'll say character. Character is what will beat talent, because working hard doesn't necessarily mean that you're working smart. I think in order to do the right thing, you have to do your due diligence on and off the track, you have to study for yourself, you have to really hone in on your craft, find out what makes you tick, and always prepare yourself for the toughest moments. That's what I think. And that would be my secret to motivating the talented. Everybody knows that talent will drop off at a certain point, and then the character is what steps in and takes over.

Character is what truly motivates the talented. In order to make the most of your talents, you need to put in the work to hone in on your craft and be prepared for tough moments.

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I believe that talent can certainly provide an advantage, but it is character, not just hard work, that ultimately surpasses talent. Working hard alone does not guarantee success if it is not accompanied by smart work and a strong character.

To motivate the talented, my secret would be to encourage them to focus on doing the right things. This involves conducting thorough research, both on and off the field, and dedicating time to self-study. It's important to deeply understand one's craft, identify what truly drives them, and consistently prepare for challenging moments.

Talent may fade over time, but character remains constant. Therefore, nurturing and developing a strong character is key to sustaining motivation and achieving long-term success.

How do you think the current state of track and field compares to the popularity of the sport in the 50s, 60s, and 70s?

Track and field loses popularity to revenue-driven sports

I think the current state of track and field is not as popular as it was back in the 50s 60s and 70s, just because you have higher Revenue sports are here in the United States. And those have really, I think push the envelope as far as popularity and revenue. So I think that has a big deal to do with why track and field is not as popular as it was back in the day where the other sports have continues to continue to flourish. Shhhh I think track and field is kind of kept the same business model so I would love to see it get back to the status that it was back in those days because I think it would be great for our youth to see the type of exposure and experience that they could get from track and field.

Track and field is not as popular as it was in the 50s, 60s and 70s due to other sports having higher revenue. It would be great to get back to that status, which could benefit the youth who participate in track and field.

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The current state of track and field is not as popular as it was in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This is mainly due to the rise of higher revenue sports in the United States, which have gained more popularity and generated more revenue. Track and field, on the other hand, has maintained a similar business model over the years.

It would be beneficial to see track and field regain the status it had in the past, as it would provide great exposure and experiences for the youth involved in the sport.

How has track and field impacted your life outside the sport?

Track and field: A platform for mentoring and influencing lives beyond the sport

How has track and field impacted my life outside of the sport? I think track and field gave me the opportunity to use a platform to help others just within the community, to give my experiences and my expertise a way to kind of get in certain doors. I think it gives me, it still gives me the opportunity to mentor people, to help people, to have an influence on people, younger people. I'm actually a coach now, so I'm able to pour into my athletes more so than just from the X's and O's, if you will, of track and field, but kind of help them navigate through some of the things of their life. So I think that track and field gave me that platform to be able to use my knowledge and wisdom that I've gained over the years to help others.

Track and field has given me a platform to use my knowledge and wisdom to help and mentor others in my community. As a coach, I am able to pour into my athletes on many levels, not just limited to the X's and O's of track and field.

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Track and field has had a significant impact on my life beyond the sport. It has provided me with a platform to make a difference in my community, leveraging my experiences and expertise to open doors and offer guidance. Through track and field, I have the opportunity to mentor, help, and influence others, particularly younger individuals. As a coach now, I can pour into my athletes not just in terms of the technical aspects of track and field but also support them in navigating through life's challenges. Track and field has given me a platform to share the knowledge and wisdom I have acquired over the years for the benefit of others.

Terrence Trammell answers your Track & Field questions. See all the advice Terrence Trammell has and get answers to your own Track & Field questions.

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Terrence Trammell is a retired American track and field athlete. He was the silver medalist for the 110-meter hurdles at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, and a three-time silver medalist for the World Championships. He was born in Atlanta, GA and trained with his high school coach Napoleon Cobb. Trammell attended the University of South Carolina and was the 1999-2000 NCAA Champion Indoors and Outdoors. In 2008, he qualified for the Beijing Olympics but had to pull out of the competition after injuring his hamstring in the preliminary rounds. He retired in 2015 and was elected to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2021. He currently coaches at Pace Academy in Atlanta.