Steeplechase Man

DN ran an article on the latest BYU runner to have a shot at the Olympics, a returned missionary named Josh McAdams. After two years in Thailand he was out of shape and out of contention. Now: "He is unbeaten by an American this year and ranks 12th in the world in the steeplechase." And he's running in 2008 (for a spot in the Olympics, not for a shot at the White House). I just love it when missionary-athletes make it back to competitive form and excel in their sports. They deserve it. They don't all make it, but they all deserve it.

Athletes don't always get the best press at BYU. But think about the fact that some athlete-missionaries who serve come back and never become competitive again. College students don't give up much by taking two years off (they might even pick up a language that contributes to their later success), but athletes sometimes give up their careers. Young athletes who do serve LDS missions deserve more respect for making the Tough Choice -- without knowing how things will turn out when they get back.

Be looking for Josh in one of those Home Depot Olympics commercials next year.

Comments

[TT]

I think that the same is even more true for musicians. Some of our best talent gets seriously hampered because they are not allowed to practice their instrument at all (at least athletes can work out on their missions!
Of course, there are a lot of athletes (and musicians) who have an inflated sense of their skills and their future and who think that they are making a bigger sacrifice than they are.

[Matt W.]

Musicians with the exception of vocalists and pianists, one might add...

[Sam B.]

TT,
When I was at BYU as a music major (pre-mission), my instructor said that he loved getting his students back, because, while technique had declined, maturity had increased. I've heard the same about athletics. While I believe it, I'm not sure it's a completely level trade. My wife lost a lot in terms of dancing when she went on her mission, and hasn't been able to devote the time she once had to get it back.

Which isn't to knock missions; I loved mine, and was already changing direction from music before I left. But it is incredible to see an athlete (or musician or dancer or anything else that requires intense work plus youth) pull it together after two years of serving the Lord.

[anon]

jeremy guthrie (born in my hometown) is another great story. he pitches tonight for the orioles against my beloved mariners.