Kirani’s Next Major Challenge Is Not at the Starting Blocks

File Photo: Kirani James

by Ronald "Pappy" Charles

First I wish to join the nation in congratulating Kirani for his impressive victory on August 30, 2011 in the 400 metres at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) track and field event held in Deagu, South Korea clocking a time of 44.60. 

Winning Grenada’s first Gold medal in world championship athletic competition is most definitely a momentous and meritorious performance.  Furthermore, to prove to the world that his victory was not a fluke, Kirani, the third youngest world champion, repeated the feat nine days later in Zurich by once again dominating his U.S rival LaShawn Merritt who happens to hold the fastest time in the 400 metres this year (44.35). 

This time around Kirani improved his timing to 44.36 and significantly increased the distance between himself and LaShawn at the finish line.

This young man, who celebrated his nineteenth birthday only days ago (9-1-11) is special in so many ways. 

In Kirani’s moment of glory, as he was being awarded the Gold medal, he was asked to compare his performance with that of Usain Bolt’s as it relates to their coming-out performances.  In his humble and most eloquent manner he said, “Usain is special in his own way, but I just want to be Kirani James from Grenada.”  Very well said! 

Our son of the soil, who is now of superstar status, has given Grenadians and admirers word-wide every indication that he has what it takes to best represent Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

In a time when Grenadians seem anchored in despair by what’s not happening in our country, Kirani has inspired us all.  He is our ultimate ambassador by making his name and accomplishment, as a son of the Spice Isle, frontline world news.  He is our pride and joy.  He is our collective breath of fresh air – our reason for hope and as such we must give him all the support that is possible.  We must also be patient and tolerant as Kirani secures his rightful place in the halls of stardom.

As we continue to map Kirani’s remarkable progression, it is quite natural to envisage the prospects of duplicating his performance at the upcoming Olympics in London 2012. 

However, I advise that we consider, at this critical juncture, the business area of sport that typically goes on behind the scenes.  That is the drafting, negotiating and litigating of product endorsement and license agreements in the increasingly important context of protecting Kirani’s rights and publicity as a professional athlete.

I refer to this stage as critical because there are many case references that warn of the cost of mismanagement in this area.  Quite frankly, decision making in the business-side of sport can make or break an athlete. 

The challenge for Kirani to maintain discipline and humility as well as surround himself with the right people, as he continues his remarkable development, is laid out in the following questions:

(1)   How does he select the proper coaching and agent (management team)?

(2)   How does he cope with stardom?

(3)   How does he handle criticism, injury and failure?

(4)   How does he maintain his focus, motivation and professionalism?

(5)   How does he avoid being sidetracked by the usual distractions?

(6)   How does he maintain the delicate ego-balance of being a star athlete and a humble and respectful person? 

(7)   How does he manage the super-athlete versus the super-agent relationship?

(8)   How does he satisfy his coaching or management team’s wishes and the wishes of the Government or Ministry of Sports here in Grenada when both are making competing requests?

We must not underestimate the importance of the aforementioned.  In restating the scenarios: There may be times when he should not break training routine.  There may be times when he is recovering from injury or merely attempting to prevent injury.  There are times he will need rest.  And there may be times when he is obligated to his sponsor’s schedule. 

While we have his best interest at heart (absent flag embarrassment aside), we at home cannot allow our enthusiasm and over-protection to get in the way of Kirani realizing his dream. 

There is little room for error especially due to the fact that a track athlete’s career is relatively short.  And agents and sponsors are quick to back off when they sense that interference will be a problem.

Once again, I congratulate Kirani on his sterling performances and wish him the very best that the future has in store for him.  And I pray that the Good Lord will guide him each and every day as he continues to excel.

Ronald “Pappy” Charles

pappy_charles6@yahoo.com