http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/index.php/2009/05/14/runners-world-magazine-german-fernandez/ Photographer + Designer + Tulsa + Worldwide Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:31:00 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/index.php/2009/05/14/runners-world-magazine-german-fernandez/comment-page-1/#comment-8996 Dave Pritchard Fri, 29 May 2009 13:38:06 +0000 http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/?p=927#comment-8996 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! 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!

]]> http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/index.php/2009/05/14/runners-world-magazine-german-fernandez/comment-page-1/#comment-8803 Mariel Sat, 16 May 2009 12:13:00 +0000 http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/?p=927#comment-8803 Indeed amazing pictures. He is such a sporty man, love the pictures of him in action! Indeed amazing pictures. He is such a sporty man, love the pictures of him in action!

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