Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence?: Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums

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Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence?

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flim-mike-bunz

Jun 18, 12 7:44

Post #1 of 71 (2872 views)

Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence?	Quote \| Reply

american triathlon motivation may be headed the way of the brownlee popularity eruption in the uk... courtesy of LV...

stuck in our yankie IM laden psyches, like cement ankle blocks, our tri roots have not embraced a short course american
racing star to the the point of inspiring the masses. the premise of american tris were the big four + pigg and while they
crushed at all distances, it was nbc that spurned subsequent generations of mileage monster, kona bots. nbc covered the
freak show oddity and not so much the other races around then. usts/blts.... these were blurbs on grainy late night espn
coverage/saucony running and racing. our boys ruled kona and, relatively speaking, little did the world know. short course
racing was popular for its finishability but besides the neon trisport shorts adorning fleet feet window space, people thought
we were all IM training neurotics. still due mostly. liz downing and ken souza might as well been chess champs..

it takes a lemond come back story and the best tour ever to spurn a generation including LA, hincapie, julich, hamilton,
lephiemer to lay some deeper motivational roots down.

it takes an LA to blow up the american cycling scene. let's face it, lance's real life has essentially been a kick ass, real time,
13 year long movie that is still running today. all the while, cycling has just blown open in america.

it takes a pre, who for years was a brief mention, until the movie 'without limits' started passing around amongst high school/
college runners rediscovering a buried legend. the underground popularity of this movie has completely exploded distance
running in the USA. solinsky, rupp, hall, ritz, teg, wheating, countless others... have taken the momentum to amazing levels. it
is ridiculous right now.. and rupp is a serious medal contender in the 10k.

and of course phelpsian... not that american swimming ever needed him but he has assured we will never EVER lose the
medal count in the pool.

but we have never had a short course tri star that truly inspires in any broad sense, a subsequent generation. hunters been
around and was ranked #1 but no great come back story or movies.. and never a big break in a race that would garner the
accolades his career deserves. would be great to see him bust a hamish carter in london and call it a rap. the waves the big
four made in short course racing (even allen in 89' avignon) have always been trumped out by their kona ventures.. and while
my pigg pink j-disk and seat shifter confirmed my affinity for northern california recluse hunters, the popularity of those types
did not get so far away from the posters in my bedroom in a broader inspirational sense.. like no where outside fleet feet.

ironically, LV's brief path to oregon as a runner was inspired buy the lure of oregon legend and the movie "without limits". my
point is, it takes inspiration to motivate and build or further our dreams. can LV explode an elite level short course tri scene in
america that will inspire us as we have been inspired time and again? bring our tri roots as the founding fathers the cred that
our mark and dave pedigree has gotten for years? a break through at olympic distance racing success. something akin to oz
and its countless inspiring athletes and the uk with lessing and spencer and now brownlees...

it's early but I think he has the gift to do this without getting shot turkey hunting, getting cancer, or getting a convertible rolled over
on him.. winning the first world cup he enters at age 19 is a fine start... a high school 2 mile record aint bad either..

All you need is a dollar and a dream..and a severe f*&%ing beating!!

(This post was edited by flim-mike-bunz on Jun 18, 12 7:54)

Zippy

Jun 18, 12 8:17

Post #2 of 71 (2826 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Let's see if he can continue to progress. As an XC coach and fan of his running abilities and what that meant to American distance running, I was bummed to see him depart for triathlon, but I am happy for him and his results to date. Was a good result for him this past weekend, I'll say that. Reading some of the other threads on LV and the race this past weekend, I think many are spot on when saying it is too early to see how far he can go. The race pretty much played right into his strength; he was behind in the swim, big packs came together on the bike, and it came down to the run. IMO, this world cup race was not a top tier race, pretty darn quick, but not a top tier race. It will be fun to see what he can do after the Olympics are over and the World Cup races are back to their regular routine, with the Brownlees, etc. back in the mix. These guys, as we all know, are game changers. Had they been there and pushed the pace on the swim and bike, could LV have caught them on the run? Don't think so. He's got work to do, and time to get it done.

realAlbertan

Jun 18, 12 10:17

Post #3 of 71 (2703 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Zippy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

For sure. 2016 and especially 2020 for LV. Anyone know which WTS events he will be racing at.
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Philb

Jun 18, 12 10:20

Post #4 of 71 (2692 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [realAlbertan] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

He is on the start list for Kitzbuhel this weekend, as are the Brownlees.

Zimzala1

Jun 18, 12 10:40

Post #5 of 71 (2648 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Philb] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Let's meet back here after the race in Austria next weekend. Think a reality check is heading this way.

Philb

Jun 18, 12 10:51

Post #6 of 71 (2612 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Zimzala1] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I agree with you, who cares about a long race in France anyway!!

chemsmith

Jun 18, 12 11:27

Post #7 of 71 (2549 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

The lack of capitals freaks me out. I would find that so hard to do. I can't get beyond that. I'm so hoity-toity or something.

I'll go back now and try to read it.

chemsmith

Jun 18, 12 11:29

Post #8 of 71 (2540 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

flim-mike-bunz wrote:

it takes an LA to blow up the american cycling scene. let's face it, lance's real life has essentially been a kick ass, real time,
13 year long movie that is still running today. .

Err...the USADA just ended that. RIP, Lance.

chemsmith

Jun 18, 12 11:31

Post #9 of 71 (2531 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

LV has a *chance* but statistically I'm guessing the odds of him going "all the way" are very tiny. A lot has to go right for someone amazing to stay amazing and reach superstardom. I'm thinking people smarter than me can quickly name 100 teenagers who could have turned the sports world on its head who flamed out.

I like him though and am pulling for him!

thatsethguy

Jun 18, 12 11:37

Post #10 of 71 (2514 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

flim-mike-bunz wrote:

and while my pigg pink j-disk and seat shifter confirmed my affinity for northern california recluse hunters

pics or it didn't happen

HomerJSimpson

Jun 18, 12 13:56

Post #11 of 71 (2376 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Enough of your love feat. Why don't you marry him since your so in love.

Fleck

Jun 18, 12 15:04

Post #12 of 71 (2305 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Zimzala1] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Let's meet back here after the race in Austria next weekend. Think a reality check is heading this way

The kid's 19. Let's keep things in perspective.

But . .

I wrote this on another thread:

This should be getting more press/coverage/interest.

Great to see the kid win one.

I gave a short speech at the Timex Triathlon Team Launch back in the winter. I said that one of the best things that could ever happen to triathlon in the U.S., and indeed the whole sport of triathlon, would be for an American to win the Olympic Games Triathlon.

The challenge is that right now, within the sport of triathlon and within the collective conscious of both triathletes and non triathletes in the U.S., the whole sport seems to revolve around Ironman. However, outside the sport and outside the U.S., the ITU and in particular the Olympic Games triathlon plays a much bigger role. Ironman is still there, but my sense is that ITU and the Olympic games is on better footing and, gets better representation.

There needs to be a balance.

Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog | EventsOnline | Bibnumbers.com

(This post was edited by Fleck on Jun 18, 12 18:01)

styrrell

Jun 18, 12 15:40

Post #13 of 71 (2264 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Fleck] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

We have the 4 major sports, plus Nascar and the Kardashians in the main consciousness. The US will pay huge attention to Olympic sports, but only if their is a US winner or story. I honestly can't remember a big deal foreign Olympic Athlete that the US pays attention to other than Bolt and he is in historically the premiere track event for US athletes.
Styrrell

Fleck

Jun 18, 12 15:47

Post #14 of 71 (2252 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [styrrell] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

The US will pay huge attention to Olympic sports, but only if their is a US winner or story.

That's why I said a win! Just a medal won't do it. A good story is also very helpful. We know that, NBC loves covering athlete stories - in many cases more than the event itself. In that regard Verzbicas and his family have that classic - come-to-America-and-achieve-your-dreams type of story to tell.

Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog | EventsOnline | Bibnumbers.com

flim-mike-bunz

Jun 18, 12 16:37

Post #15 of 71 (2192 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [thatsethguy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

thatsethguy wrote:

flim-mike-bunz wrote:

and while my pigg pink j-disk and seat shifter confirmed my affinity for northern california recluse hunters

pics or it didn't happen

lol... getting these old references are the "pics". glad you got it though. after rolling the black/white checkered uni-disk, with its plastic spoke clips, my hot pink j-disk was heaven (thank you nosler research). but if you think i'm boasting for adding like 5 pounds of weight to my ride with the janky seat shifter, you are mistaken. "the pic" is the nostalgia dood... enjoy. anyway, I think mom chucked it years ago in a basement sweep..

All you need is a dollar and a dream..and a severe f*&%ing beating!!

BMANX

Jun 18, 12 16:45

Post #16 of 71 (2171 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [flim-mike-bunz] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Put him up against the Brownlee's and the other big boys and see how he does first. Then lets talk.

AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5980g/13.18 lbs.

flim-mike-bunz

Jun 18, 12 17:26

Post #17 of 71 (2124 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [BMANX] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

BMANX wrote:

Put him up against the Brownlee's and the other big boys and see how he does first. Then lets talk.

did Pre race viren as a college freshmen? how about a 19 year old LA winning the tour against Indurain? the exception is phelps but he's phelps! lets chill on determining LV's future from next weekend... will be great to see the outcome no matter but it's not going to predict his future... humble pie is a great motivator anyhow.. everyone but phelps knows this.

about his potential star power... a bit of upside is there with his family background but can't touch the drama of other greats. my bad for not knowing more about his past. maybe there is a war torn, bullet riddled escape past but from what I've read, he's had a chill american life thus far. his impact will have to be from his sporting achievements until a movie or book is made. this will be hard to do in a straight up Bolt, kinda way. triathlon is not the marque race of olympics.... oly racing is not even the marque race within triathlon. but this thread is about him building up the US short course/ draft legal professional level akin to the explosion in distance running right now. none of the current US distance running success is main stream, none, but in running circles, people clearly see this time as a new era of depth and quality. gone are the days of the billy mills, pre, and bob kennedy outliers. LV has a chance to get our short course racing some growth with his racing...

All you need is a dollar and a dream..and a severe f*&%ing beating!!

TriBriGuy

Jun 18, 12 17:50

Post #18 of 71 (2093 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [BMANX] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

"Put him up against the Brownlee's and the other big boys and see how he does first. Then lets talk."

Well, while we're trying to be "honest", let's admit that even Lukas probably has a good idea of where he stands right now against the Brownlees and Gomez. But even if he gets smacked hard, what does that mean? To read your harsh comment, he might as well not even make the trip. BS!

The kid is a huge talent and a race-day competitor. But is he even 20 yet? I forget. Give him a few years and he'll be doing things that make our heads spin here in the US, at least. Barring injuries, my money is on him being talked about leading into 2016 like we're talking about the Brownlees today. And he's got the kind of mindset that says "If I'm going to beat the best, I'm going to race the best as often as I can toe the line with them."

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Paulo Sousa

Jun 18, 12 17:54

Post #19 of 71 (2081 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [BMANX] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

BMANX wrote:

Put him up against the Brownlee's and the other big boys and see how he does first. Then lets talk.

Hey, how about we give the kid a chance.

I bet you were once 19 yo (even if you sound like you're 16 on that post). Would have you liked to read a comment like yours? So stop being a jerk and let's see what he's got.
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Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 18, 12 17:58

Post #20 of 71 (2062 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Paulo Sousa] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Paulo Sousa wrote:

BMANX wrote:

Put him up against the Brownlee's and the other big boys and see how he does first. Then lets talk.

--

This coming from a guy who spent years here on ST insulting and belittling everyone he could just for fun.....

--

Paulo Sousa

Jun 18, 12 18:00

Post #21 of 71 (2056 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Ultra-tri-guy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

This is what I get from being nice and considerate when I met you a few years ago, Nick? Thanks mate...
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BMANX

Jun 18, 12 18:00

Post #22 of 71 (2054 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [TriBriGuy] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I do not think my comments were harsh at all. I think the kid has great potential and will hopefully be the next great thing in the US but I would like to see how he does against a stronger field. Maybe he kicks ass and maybe he doesn't who knows.

AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5980g/13.18 lbs.

Ultra-tri-guy

Jun 18, 12 18:04

Post #23 of 71 (2039 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Paulo Sousa] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Paulo Sousa wrote:

This is what I get from being nice and considerate when I met you a few years ago, Nick? Thanks mate...

----

Hey,you can't deny that you have crucified more than one person here,myself included......and believe me my opinion of you has changed a lot as you have mellowed over the last couple of years...I actually have quite a lot of respect for what you have been doing which is something that I would not have said five years ago.

I do have a very long memory though..

--

(This post was edited by Ultra-tri-guy on Jun 18, 12 18:06)

BMANX

Jun 18, 12 18:06

Post #24 of 71 (2034 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [Paulo Sousa] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Pablo, good to see you back. Thanks for the insult. Was not trying to be a jerk like you seem to think I was. I would just like to see how he does against a stronger field. The kid has talent for sure and from what I have read will be great as he gets older. I just think the post was a bit premature.

AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5980g/13.18 lbs.

Rocky M

Jun 18, 12 18:18

Post #25 of 71 (2000 views)

Re: Lukas Verzbicas: the first to inspire an american olympic/WC presence? [chemsmith] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

If it were not for the different user name, I would say Slowman or ee cummings wrote this. Dan is known for not using the upper case /shift key in his writings.

I see the longer term possibility of Kevin McDowell coming back to full strength & being a domestique in the 2016 Olympics for LV. Bring LV up to speed on the swim & bike, then run whoever it is down or away from them. Given his age, he can take down a Brownlee in his future under the right circumstances/situation (in the future)--he has the talent. Nobody has seen the athletes the Brownlees are today...then again, we haven't seen a LV either. Give him time, give him support, he's a good kid with lots of drive.

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