Runner’s World Magazine: German Fernandez
Runner German Fernandez is already being hailed as one of the best runners in the world. He dominated during his high school career, holding several records in various middle and…
May 14th, 2009 | Published in Assignment, Photography | 2 Comments
Runner German Fernandez is already being hailed as one of the best runners in the world. He dominated during his high school career, holding several records in various middle and long distances. As a college freshman at Oklahoma State – in his first-ever indoor race – Fernandez broke the World Junior Record by running 3:56.5 for the indoor mile, then bested himself at the Big 12 Cross Country Championships, setting a junior indoor world record for the mile, running 3:55.02.
As a former runner, and running enthusiast, I was thrilled when Runner’s World Magazine hired me to shoot German for the June issue (now on the stands, page 22)
German is a down-to-earth and humble guy. I hope to work with him again as he continues his career. Below are some of my favorite shots made for the assignement.
May 16th, 2009at 5:13 am ( # )
Indeed amazing pictures. He is such a sporty man, love the pictures of him in action!
May 29th, 2009at 6:38 am ( # )
On one hand, these photos are flattering and bring much needed attention to the sport, as well as, Fernandez’s tremendous efforts thus far. But let’s not lose sight of the fact, that even the most successful and accomplished runners seem to have an ephemeral nature to their career longevity, especially in an American culture where baseball, basketball and NFL Football dominates the hearts, minds and economics of millions. Over 30 years ago, Bill Rodgers was once quoted in an interview with Playboy Magazine, “That essentially, running meant dog-do to American society”. A lot has changed since then, but the burning questions of “amateur” verses “pro” status still remain with us.
To some degree, anyone can live vicariously through an athlete’s accomplishments but there seems to be something really genuine and even sublime about what this guy has done. The fact that he worked at a restaurant during his senior year of high school whilst running those amazing times and breaking records, speaks to his hard working “Prefontainesque” middleclass roots. It is also efficacious that he chose to attend a “State University” as opposed to an “Ivy League School” which further adds credibility to his accomplishments. In a cynical age, where a drug-infested sport has lost a lot of respect, it is incredibly refreshing to see someone step up the game and have such a positive impact on competition and training. Will he make the Olympics, could he medal? It’s anyone’s guess, but I’d bet that he does!