Former Namibian sprint sensation Frank Fredericks warns young and upcoming athletes to be humble and avoid showboating.
Fredericks, who recently reflected on his indoor 200m world record of 19.92 seconds in Liévin, France, told Desert FM that young athletes need to realise they must be humble.
“Being the fastest in Namibia is not enough. You have the world to conquer, and then you see the kind of times people run.”
On 18 February 1996, Fredericks ran the 200m in 19.92 seconds, setting a world indoor record, which still stands today.
Three decades later, the world record still stands tall and unmatched by any athlete to date.
Reflecting on that achievement 30 years ago, Fredericks said young athletes need to be humble.
“It’s really frustrating when I sit in the stands and I see somebody running 21 seconds, and they throw their arms up at some other guys. I mean, you have not arrived at the international scene yet,” he said. “You are just a national champion in Namibia. There is still a lot to conquer. You have to conquer southern Africa, then you have to conquer Africa, and after that you have to conquer the world.”
Fredericks said athletes need to stay humble, remember where they come from and showcase their talent only when necessary.
The indoor 200m world record holder said: “There is a lot going through my mind. I want to thank all our forefathers, and the people that fought for our independence.”
“If it was not for them, a young boy from Katutura would not have had the chance to compete internationally,” he said. “I think it’s being thankful, being able to know that I have pushed my body to the limits by getting a chance, and that is probably what the youngsters of today do not realise.”
Fredericks noted that some athletes in his time never dreamed of competing internationally, whereas young athletes have the opportunity to do so. He questioned whether they fully appreciate these opportunities and take them seriously, especially as they have the potential to surpass his achievements.
“Take advice from some of us that have walked the path, it’s not an easy path. I had to sacrifice birthdays, I had to sacrifice many friends, and those are the things that you have to do,” he said.
“If I take that race I ran 30 years ago in 1996, I left right after Christmas, leaving Namibia for Australia to train for a month. I needed to be focused. I could not be distracted, and by January, I needed to be sure that I’m in the best shape.”
Fredericks advised Namibian athletes that the times they are running domestically are not yet world-class, urging them to listen to coaches and experienced athletes.
Fredericks said many athletes believe technology, like artificial intelligence and online research, can replace coaching, but he emphasised that coaches observe everything and they know how to guide athletes back on track.
“They know when you are tired, when you are mentally not in the right space, and they can put you back in the right space.”
He said athletes need guidance to stay on course and eventually become world champions.
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