)
Unlike modern athletes who get so many incentives even when they do not win any medals, sprinters during Maurice Greene's era only received medals and nothing else for their efforts.
American sprint icon Maurice Greene and British legend Linford Christie have voiced strong opinions about how much easier it is for modern track and field athletes to earn a good living compared to their era.
Speaking on The Powells, a YouTube channel hosted by fellow sprint great Asafa Powell, the two legends reflected on the financial and competitive disparities between generations.
Greene, a former 100m world record holder (9.79 seconds) and winner of multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, pointed out the significant financial rewards that contemporary athletes enjoy.
)
17:01 - 29.11.2024
'This is a serious world' -Elaine Thompson-Herah responds to claims of Being 'unapproachable' as a celebrity in Jamaica
Elaine Thompson-Herah responds to claims of being 'unapproachable' and 'sassy' as a celebrity in Jamaica amid her injury problems.
In contrast, during Greene’s peak, athletes competed primarily for medals and national pride. Financial support was minimal, with many relying on family and friends to get by.
“Our support system was our family, our friends, whatever we can do,” Greene shared passionately. “It was tough because you don’t get anything. You win a medal, they say, ‘Thank you, go get another one.’ And you’re like, ‘When are you going to do something?’”
Greene also highlighted the reduced physical demands of modern sprinting competitions.
“In my era, we had four rounds to reach the podium. That first round was early in the morning, and it took something out of your legs,” Greene recalled. He explained how pushing hard in the semifinals for a favorable lane left little time for recovery before the final.
)
13:00 - 25.11.2024
British sprint icon Linford Christie on why modern sprinters like Noah Lyles, Kishane Thompson & Co have It 'easier' than past generations
American sprint legend Maurice Greene remains steadfast on his stance over modern sprinters, believing they have it so much 'easier' chances to dominate sprinting nowadays compared to his era.
Today, athletes typically face only three rounds, a change Greene believes has eased the path to winning medals.
Christie, the 1992 Olympic 100m gold medalist, backed Greene's sentiments, emphasizing that the hardships of their generation bred resilience and determination.
“The youngsters, as soon as they feel a little niggle, they don’t want to run,” Christie remarked. “Then the physios tell you, ‘Your glutes are not firing,’ and so many things.”
He shared personal anecdotes of racing through injuries, recalling moments of sheer survival on the track.
)
18:37 - 28.11.2024
'Yo've gotta punch him in the mouth' - Justin Gatlin sends advice to Kishane Thompson, Fred Kerley & Co on how to stop Noah Lyles
Justin Gatlin has offered advice to sprinters like Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley on how to stop Noah Lyles, citing Christian Coleman's victory over his American counter part during the 60 meter dash final of the 2024 World Indoor Championships as an example.
“I’ve been in races where I know I’ve only got one good run, and you’re praying nobody false-starts. You get to the blocks, somebody pushes out, and you’re like, ‘Oh God, my hamstring is going to pull.’ But it’s what made the sport.”
Christie argued that the lucrative sponsorships and incentives offered to modern athletes might diminish their drive to succeed.
“These guys nowadays get more money before they even win anything or get to any level, so what is the incentive?” Christie questioned.
For his generation, racing was more than a sport—it was a means of survival and escape from hardship. That hunger, he suggested, is not as evident in today’s athletes.
Both Greene and Christie’s reflections underscore the evolution of track and field, from a physically and financially challenging endeavor to a sport offering significant rewards. While they acknowledge the progress, their comments also serve as a reminder of the grit and determination that defined their era—a legacy that continues to inspire.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)