by Larry Eder
The worst kept secret in athletic gossip circles was that Matthew Centrowitz, 2016 Olympic champion at 1,500 meters, was moving to another training group. Centrowitz was the 2013 Wold Championship silver medalist and 2011 World Championship bronze medal. In 2015, Matthew took 8th in the, 1500 meters. Matthew Centrowitz has more racing tactics in his little finger than most people have in their entire bodies. This young man is a tough racer, and a savvy racer.
Matthew was coached by Alberto Salazar and Peter Julian at the Nike Oregon TC for six years. He is now being coached by Jerry Schumacher of the Nike Bowermanr TC. Why did he change? Well, sometimes, in careers, athletes need a change. Matthew showed much class and thanked Alberto and Peter for their assistance. It is as simple as that, and that is all I really, and you need to know.
Matthew was the focus of many salacious comments in social media. I am not sure why people think being anonymous to send spurious comments are okay. I have no respect for people like that. But, as we all know, some people have no class. Why did he change coaches? That is between Matthew and his advisors. All we should care about is if he gets his mojo back. More than likely, we shall see Matthew move up to 5000 meters, where he will be absolutely dangerous. But, then, that is just me.
In 2012, I told our readers that Matthew Centrowitz had the talent and ego (much needed) to be an Olympic and World Champion. He has one of them, I think he might be in line to win another.
Centrowitz wins Olympic 1,500m, photo by Photorun.net
