Andrew Valmon is dreaming of Olympic gold once more. The Olympic gold medalist was recently named coach of the U.S. track and field team for the 2012 Olympics in London. The University of Maryland coach will spend the next 15 months doubling in both places while trying to build winners at each.
“I reached out to the last three [Olympic] programs for feedback,” Valmon said. “They talk of burnout and gorilla on your back. But I look forward to the challenge. ”
The U.S. has long dominated Olympic track and field with 315 gold medals and 744 medals overall. The U.S. led the 2008 Olympics with 23 medals and seven golds, but Varmon expects better next year by tapping into events the U.S. hasn’t fared well in lately.
“[2008] was OK. We have ambitious goals for 2012, which is 30 medals,” he said. “It’s obtainable, but the only way is to get medals in places we don’t usually. Marathons, distances are coming back strong. Vaulters will come back. Field events. We have three of top five decathletes in world. Long jump will bounce back. High jump.”
From Jesse Owens defying Adolph Hitler at the 1936 Olympics to Carl Lewis dominating the 1984 and ’88 Olympics, the U.S. regularly produces top runners. Ironically, foreign countries develop young track prospects while supporting a pro circuit.
“The governing body has to do a huge part in development,” Valmon said. “European countries do a good job keeping tabs on them. In this country, we’ve allowed them to be gobbled up. Some linemen that don’t play could be some of best shot putters in world.
“People assume it’s every four years, but these athletes train. There’s not a big push for American football abroad. So many sports here aren’t popular abroad. Soccer is No. 1, basketball and track are there. You want to keep [track stars] home, but you need fan interest and sponsor. If we are super strong in one of the Olympics you’ll find some interest.
Valmon was among the stars of the 1992 Games in Barcelona, earning gold in the 4 x 400 meter relay team. He also earned a gold medal at the 1993 World Championships.
“It was years of hard work,” Valmon said. “I think about it every so often. As a young kid, everyone had dreams. Being a 400-meter runner, I knew the [Olympic] history prior and we don’t lose. The pressure was pretty high.”
Valmon spent four years as Georgetown’s track coach before becoming Maryland’s in 2003. He has spent the last three years coaching international teams. Valmon believes Maryland’s track team will rise soon.
“We kept the local talent home,” he said. “We secured two of the best high jumpers in the country. We’re going to become ‘High Jump U.’ If we start with a few events, we’ll get kids who want to come to Maryland.”
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
