Members of the Flotrack community brought attention to an issue that I did not expect to surface.  Alysia Montano is sponsored by Red Bull, and skeptical comments were posted under the first two pieces in a series of videos we did at Lake Tahoe in October.  Viewers question whether this sponsorship is good, and one post even suggested that an alcohol sponsorship may be better than an energy drink.

 

A quick internet search reveals possible links between energy drinks and health problems, particularly in young people.  It makes me think of the movie "Supersize Me."  Is it corporate or personal responsibility?  It is widely known that energy drinks are not great for you, but I question if this is Alysia's burden.

 

I struggled to write this blog for a number of reasons.  First, I really like Alysia and enjoy opportunities to support her.  She has one of the best attitudes and personalities in track and field.  She has a brief window to make a living as an athlete and will be fortunate if it last more than a couple of Olympic cycles.  A big part of me says she needs to maximize her earning potential now.  On the other hand, energy drinks are not my thing.  But so what?  Each of us can make decisions for ourselves, right?

 

Then there is the question of young athletes looking up to Alysia.  She is a role model to the people she comes in contact with at meets and clinics.  Her smile, style, and success make her a great ambassador for our sport.  As a parent and coach, I am not going to stop those that I guide from cheering for Alysia.  Sponsorships are her choice just as we have options in what we consume.  

 

Should an athlete's corporate partnerships determine if we are fans?  One of the major TV services botched a satellite installation job on my house.  Should I stop liking Peyton Manning because he is in their commercials?  Is Lance Armstrong's legacy tarnished because he does beer ads?  How about my childhood hero Joe Montana doing Shape Up ads?

 

I have a hard time criticizing Alysia in the same fashion as Joe and Lance.  They have significantly more money that Alysia.  She should jump on the chance to get ahead.  Of course I would prefer to see her carry a bunch of carrots, basket of blueberries, or a fresh cut of wild salmon instead of the Red Bull water bottle.  However, this sponsorship does not change my opinion of her. 

 

Here is my bottom line with this sponsorship.  I am for it if Red Bull offers a significant step toward her quest for medals, records, and rankings.  More important than my opinion is that Alysia is comfortable and can benefit from her sponsor.  This is what truly matters, and her partnership with Red Bull is a valuable part of her Olympic quest.  We cannot be short-sided here.  This sponsorship could open doors for future athletes who desperately need financial support.