Steffensen dogs it

(08/06/2008)

4:12

Ok ... we're away. Beijing Now's live blog is waiting. Who will be first to comment and win the gold?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:12

4:26

[Comment From Overrated cocky SteffOverrated cocky Steff: ]

Absolutely agree that he deserves no sympathy.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:26 Overrated cocky Steff

4:27

GOLD GOLD GOLD to Overrated Cocky Steff. Just pips it for first past the post.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:27

4:27

[Comment From BroadsterBroadster: ]

If Jana Pittman or whatever her name is now is able to get sympathy for pulling out of the games then why not John? At least he will still be competing it is just unfortunate that it will not be in his individual event.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:27 Broadster

4:29

And it's SILVER to Broadster. But wait - hang on. There's a late protest. They're saying "but Jana was injured and Steffensen isn't, so it's a bit different". The protest also says "and Jana got hammered by the Australian public who showed no sympathy anyway". I'm afraid Beijing Now must inform you that the protest has been upheld. We'll have to wait for another silver medallist to cross the line.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:29

4:32

[Comment From TracyTracy: ]

I really think he does deserve sympathy - he might be brash and a colourful character, but so what. He still trained and worked hard to get there and had to qualify to do so. It must be a great disappontment to him.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:32 Tracy

4:32

[Comment From john djohn d: ]

He is the oneout there putting it on the line and having a go. Imagine how hard and long he has trained (by himself sometines) and the sacrifices he has made. Cocky - yes, but shrinking violets neeed not apply at the very elite. You have to uber-believe in yourself. My two cents worth anyway

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:32 john d

4:33

Thanks Tracy and john d. By not bringing Jana into it, you get silver and bronze respectively.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:33

4:43

[Comment From dbdb: ]

Reckon Wariner and Merritt are relieved?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:43 db

4:56

[Comment From Show me the goldShow me the gold: ]

Forget about Steffensen - he isn't going to bring back anything anyway. What about Hackett? The Korean guy Park said the other day inside the water cube that he is going to beat Hackett in the 400 m again and take the gold. Not only that, Park said he is going to beat the world record while doing it. How is that for confidence. I wonder whether Hackett knows this and how he is going to respond, in the pool I mean.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:56 Show me the gold

4:58

Great post, Show me the gold. It would win you gold if you'd been in first. I'm sure Hackett knows and has a race strategy to shut the gate on Park. What do others reckon ... can Park beat Hackett? Beijing Now says no.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 4:58

5:02

[Comment From willywilly: ]

joel milburn beat steffensen in the aussie championships and qualified fastest anyway. we dont need steffensen.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:02 willy

5:22

[Comment From LaraLara: ]

I wonder if Joh is still in the TOP 4?? for the relay... if he isnt good enough to run the solo, is he necessarily ready to run the relay?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:22 Lara

5:23

[Comment From Show me the goldShow me the gold: ]

Well, I am not so sure. Park did beat Hackett in last years world championships in Melbourne. Was Hackett out of form then or something?. I can tell you though this Korean guy Park is something else. He is being dubbed the Korean Liu Xiang in Korea and is exempt from conscription for his swimming achievements.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:23 Show me the gold

5:24

If he is the Korean Lie Xiang then we don't have anything to worry about ... unless they make the lane ropes into hurdles. Hackett is in probably the best shape of his career. He'll bring it home.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:24

5:25

[Comment From JamesJames: ]

Steffenson is not cocky when you put him in the realm of the sports superstars. All sports elite are cocky! Does he recieve sympathy? i dont think he deserves it but we shouldnt slam the guy for making a decision based on that he doesnt feel he is in the right place. If you arent going to be able to give your 100% best in representing your coutry then dont represent. Atleast he didnt compete and then make poor excuses on the day as to why he didnt perform. He told us his head isnt in the right and we should respect the decision he has made......doesnt mean you have to respent him as a person!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:25 James

5:25

[Comment From Aths FanAths Fan: ]

Wroe and Milburn are both young understated well spoken athletes and have also run themselves into good form at the right time (45.20 / 44.99) - pity the focus is still on this loudmouth nobody. When it comes to crunch time Steffenson is nearly 3 seconds behind Wariner.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:25 Aths Fan

5:25

[Comment From Doctor QDoctor Q: ]

What a drama king.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:25 Doctor Q

5:26

Doctor Q, full points. You should write headlines.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:26

5:38

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Is it just me or do all track and field competitors seem to be drama filled people. Get over yourselfs.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:38 Ryan

5:39

All's a little bit strong there Ryan. A few names come to mind but it's not exactly fair to brand the likes of Sally McLellan, Steve Hooker, Donna MacFarlane and a host of others as packing a serious case of the dramas.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:39

5:40

[Comment From Bra JenBra Jen: ]

Is he asking for your sympathy????????????At least he has proved he is the best in Australia, that is his licence for being cocky, he stays loud and proud, Good on him He is a STAR!!!! I know he will have a great come back to shut all the big mouths hiding behind a name on a blog.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:40 Bra Jen

5:43

Hi Bra Jen. No, he's not asking for sympathy. But we reckon he shouldn't get any anyway. It's just more than a bit disappointing when the athletics team has been decimated by injury and the like for a bloke with experience to come out and say "my head's not right" ... and then still race the relay. Let's hope you're right though and he does prove us wrong - it just won't be at these Games. And hiding? Well, my name is Rod Savage and I edit this website. We didn't put a name on the blog because it's a collective view. But if you want a name, use mine. Thanks for the post.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:43

5:43

[Comment From Show me the goldShow me the gold: ]

Steffenson does not have my sympathy, nor does Jana. For goodness sake, not two olympics in a row! Maybe I am too harsh...

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:43 Show me the gold

5:43

Bra Jen thinks so. I don't.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:43

5:54

[Comment From AmandaAmanda: ]

does anyone know if one of the other guys (who were initially just in the 4 X 4 relay) can now take his individual berth?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:54 Amanda

5:56

If one of the other relay runners have an A-qualifier they could be considered for an individual berth. I'm just chasing if they have that or not for you, Amanda.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:56

5:56

[Comment From PetePete: ]

Steffenson has got to be a clone of Mundine, but at least Mundine has managed to back up the trash talk!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:56 Pete

5:58

[Comment From aussieaussie: ]

I saw his story on 60 min's..was hoping he would run & do well. but his mouth is bigger than his heart! Put someone else in there willing to have a go....can someone tell Steffensen its the Olympic Games!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 5:58 aussie

6:00

Steffeson, IT'S THE OLYMPIC GAMES!!!! The type face wouldn't go bigger unfortunately. Thanks Aussie.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:00

6:01

[Comment From AmandaAmanda: ]

Absolutely agree with you Pete! He presented himself as a mundine replica...

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:01 Amanda

6:02

[Comment From aussieaussie: ]

Quick ring mundine...he might want to run at the Games...

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:02 aussie

6:05

[Comment From AmandaAmanda: ]

Just read in an article that he will not be replaced in the individual race.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:05 Amanda

6:05

Thanks Amanda.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:05

6:05

[Comment From BrundishBrundish: ]

He was just affraid that he wouldn't make it into the final of the individual 400m, so now if he cann't make it with the rest of his relay team he can blame good, thus still think that he is awesome. He deserves to be an american...

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:05 Brundish

6:05

[Comment From RonRon: ]

Mundine is related to this goose so it runs in the family....lol

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:05 Ron

6:24

[Comment From RBRB: ]

I find it amazing that little people who have achieved nothing at the elitist heights of Steffensen believe that they can make comments about his decision. It's soul destroying to work so hard for something and have it taken away because of injury. Believe me, if he could run at full capacity, he would. And he is not related to Mundine.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:24 RB

6:24

Thanks RB for clearing that point up.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:24

6:29

[Comment From BrundishBrundish: ]

That is a nonsensical statement, 'if he could run at full capacity, he would' But he is going to run at full capacity in the relay team. If he cannot he should pull out all together and go home, stop wasting tax payers money.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:29 Brundish

6:29

Brundish, how tall are you? Are you a little person?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 6:29

7:10

[Comment From aussieaussie: ]

I agree with Brundish...RB's comment is a contradiction. Lets hope they dont give Steffenson the Aussie flag to carry at the Opening Ceremony...give it to someone who deserves that honour.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:10 aussie

7:10

Tomkins, no doubt at all. And totally deserving.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:10

7:10

[Comment From BrundishBrundish: ]

I have an opinion like everyone else. I just don't like it when people make nonsensical statements. Some people may believe my comments are, but that's there opinion.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:10 Brundish

7:11

Everyone's opinion is welcome here, Brundish.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:11

7:43

[Comment From ShowmethemoneyShowmethemoney: ]

Hope this muppet gives back all the public funding he has taken over the past four years, what a joke. Marginal talent - no ticker.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:43 Showmethemoney

7:43

[Comment From willywilly: ]

if his "head" is not in the right place maybe he should go and have a chat with laurie lawrence

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:43 willy

7:43

[Comment From Sport is LifeSport is Life: ]

Mundine is a World Champion, but nearly all his fights have been against chumps my Grandmother could've whupped. Just like "The Man", John Steffenson has convinced himself and anyone who will listen that he is a world beater. But he needs to show us the money first. He should spend less time working on his mouth speed and more time on his leg speed.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 7:43 Sport is Life

8:55

[Comment From DMDM: ]

This just doesn't add up... has he caught the Jana bug? What is wrong with these athletes. Having been a competetive runner myself, i understand the issues with injuries etc - if you are injured - don't run - simple as that. But to be not mentally ready. Cmon you are supposed to be a world class athlete - work it out. If you are fit to run the 400m relay - presumably a couple of days after the individual event, then you should be ok to run the individual. Is there another story here... i'll put money on it!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:55 DM

8:55

If you find out what it is, DM, let us know!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:55

8:56

[Comment From SamSam: ]

First of all, who has John trash talked? He has only ever talked about his own expectations of himself, I would love to hear who he has trashed? Secondly, just because he is fit doesn't mean he is race fit. He hasn't been able to prepare as he would like due to the removal of his appendix and then a hamstring tear. Unlike the World Champs, he has now chosen the relay over the individual so that he can run for Team Australia, and he still gets hammered! You people need some perspective!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:56 Sam

8:56

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Like so many other athletes who have unfulfilled potential, he talks big game before he has any real results.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:56 Matt

8:56

[Comment From brenbarrybrenbarry: ]

maybe he is thinking of defecting to french rugby....I hear the money is ok!! When will australia stop encouraging these bigmouth kids anyway?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:56 brenbarry

8:57

Hi Brenbarry - it would not be a good situation if Australia stopped encouraging kids ... big mouth or not. Imagine if the kid Cassius Clay wasn't encouraged because of his big mouth?

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:57

8:57

[Comment From BucksBucks: ]

Soft.... Harden up steff... If he is not "Mentally Right" then he shouldn't be there at all... Give someone who wants it a go.... SOFT...

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:57 Bucks

8:58

[Comment From Karl ReedKarl Reed: ]

I was never an Olympic "I coulda been a contenda", but I did compete over every distance from 100yards to 3miles for about 8 years as a late teen, and again in my late 30's. Keeping fit and motivated is bloody hard. Running 40km per week was hard, let alone the schedule needed for elite competition. The champoins are just humans after all, and can have continuous runs of phyiscal injuries and mental flat spots, like the rest of us. Most normal people do not set themselves up for absolute individual competitive assessment. Most of us live in worlds where our competetance is not measured against the best in the state, Australia or the world. I feel for Sreffensen and also Rawlinson and the others who are being criticised. If one hasn't even tried this stuff, then one should be generous when commenting. If one hasn't run even a sub 60sec 400m, or a sub 5min mile (or a sub 18min 5k) I think its better to say as litlle as possible. Most of the comments herein are unkind and ungenerous, and definetly uncalled for.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:58 Karl Reed

8:58

Thanks Karl for this considered comment.

Wednesday August 6, 2008 8:58

9:04

Hey all ... thanks for being involved today. I'm off to see a man about a duck - but we'll keep this open tomorrow. Hopefully catch you then. It's been fun!

Wednesday August 6, 2008 9:04

9:05	[Standby] This blog will go live again from 9am AEST tomorrow (Thursday August 7).

9:51

Hi all .. we're back on.

Thursday August 7, 2008 9:51

10:29

[Comment From SamboSambo: ]

If he's not mentally prepared to compete in the individual events then why shouldn't he pull out? I don't understand what the problem is. He is allowing someone to take his place that is mentally prepared but he is still willing to not let down his teammates in the relay. Who cares if he shoots his mouth off. Name one successful male introverted sprinter. These athletes owe us nothing. Not a thing at all. It would be just the same to crack it with your fat, lazy next door neighbour because he didn't dedicate his life to winning gold for the Australian public. Somehow i think it's the fat and lazy that are doing all the sniping at our athletes anyway.

Thursday August 7, 2008 10:29 Sambo

10:30

Thanks Sambo for your spirited defence of Stef. I'm certainly getting fatter by the second sitting here in Beijing.

Thursday August 7, 2008 10:30

11:45

[Comment From John S.John S.: ]

Lay off the great man. He is the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen. And also the best looking. If only there was a gold in love making... oooh yeaaaah! i would wi... i mean steff would win hands down, every time.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:45 John S.

11:46

[Comment From The SteffThe Steff: ]

Don't be mean guys. You try running 400m without being mentally prepared. I mean... theres tactics involved... like... how fast i need to run. I might get confused... 'do i run fast here? no... i... i run slow.... oh... oh damn i lost!', do you know how embarrassing for Australia that would be? Very. There's also which shoe goes on which foot... memorising which race you're competing in. Which direction you're supposed to be running. I'm not mentally prepared to deal with any of these things at the moment, and i doubt any of you could either.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:46 The Steff

11:47

[Comment From SamboSambo: ]

No problem... fatty.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:47 Sambo

11:47

He he he. That's funny and clever.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:47

11:47

[Comment From SamboSambo: ]

GeeWhiz. This is exciting stuff today isn't it.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:47 Sambo

11:47

[Comment From SamboSambo: ]

Time for a new topic mate. This one is done and dusted.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:47 Sambo

11:48

Click around elsewhere if you want Sambo. No one is keeping you here.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:48

11:48

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Has anyone thought that perhaps Steffenson is not fit enough to run heats, semis and finals of the individual and perform at his peak after injury?

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:48 Chris

11:48

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

John did not pull out of the individual 400 because he is not in the right space. That is a completely false statement. He pulled out because he knows that it would be selfish to run the individual and possible only make the quater finals or semi finals at best - and then having run the individual not be fit enough to run the 4x400 - effectively ruining australia's chances of a medal in the relay. He has decided that the best option for Australia is that he focus on the relay. That I think is a truely selfless act. He should be admired for putting the team before his own personal aspirations. He knows that in his current shape he would not get the results in the individual and in trying he would almost definitately have nothing left for the relay. I say good on you John. It is the right decision and Australia should be proud of you.

Thursday August 7, 2008 11:48 Mark

1:04

[Comment From mike dmike d: ]

I wouldn't say he deserves sympathy, or is asking for it. I don't think he deserves ire either. 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 years from now he will be his harshest critic. I have never been an international level athlete, let alone Olympic qualifier, but when it came to the big events it took more than a family member dying, mild to medium injury, sickness or poor preparation from keeping me out of the race or giving 100% of whatever I had. If I had the opportunity to race for my country at the Olympics or comparable event, it would have to be a spinal cord injury or something of that magnitude to keep me away. At least he was honest that it was a mental problem (afraid of failure/success?), perhaps he needs to have a long hard look at himself very very quickly. He has many years left in his life to regret this decision. Only one person ever wins the race, but you can still consider yourself a winner by embracing the opportunity and knowing that you left everything out there when you had your chance.

Thursday August 7, 2008 1:04 mike d

1:18

Note to Steve and David Porter (unpublished) ... we can't call him some of the things you've written. If you want to send in again and keep it non-offensive, please do and I'll publish. Otherwise you won't be on this blog. Thanks.

Thursday August 7, 2008 1:18

2:13

[Comment From MarkMark: ]

I don't know why it is being said that it is a mental decision. He is physically not fit enought to run three or four rounds of the individual 400m and then back up for the relay. What would people prefer him to make the semi finals of the individual and then run terrible in the relay and cost Australia a medal - or not run the individual and focus on Australia getting a medal in the relay. I mean come on it is an obvious decision! If you look at the times he has been running and the physically knock backs he has had in recent months (two hamstring tears and appendix removed) - this is a clearly a decision based on his lack of physical fitness and not mental fitness. I don't know where the mental thing came from. I have not seen one quote from John saying this is a mental problem. People need to looks at the facts and reality and not make up stories.

Thursday August 7, 2008 2:13 Mark

8:23

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