2008 is going to be the year of the Willis. Scientific fact.
It could also be a sweet year for Killer Kev as well. I shaved my sideburns off for the first time in 8 years yesterday... pretty slick, if i say so myself.
So, lets focus on his running and not on the particular way in which he is indoctrinated or chooses to (either directly or indirectly) indoctrinate others.
Luch and Andrew x: I think that the issue here is somewhat larger than either of you make it. We must face the reality that people like Nick Willis and Ryan Hall (among many others) are role models for thousands of young people. Perhaps they should take a tip from former British PM Tony Blair and leave their personal religious views out of it. This is because when they introduce religious views, they shape the discourse in such a way that makes these views acceptable, admirable, commendable etc%u2026 on a larger scale. As Andrew said, it is fine for them to think whatever they like, but making it seem okay (or appealing) for others to think the same is absolutely ludicrous. This is not often a problem for 'normal' people, but those who are influential should not tread on such tenuous grounds carelessly. Main point: expressing faith is more than something that just affects the person involved and should probably not be congratulated (unless one thinks that others should be taught to be religious or god-fearing... which is manipulative and disrespectful).
heh andrew, thanks for your thoughtful response. I had no intention of implying that those who 'ask God for help' get help and get through, and that those who don't, don't have a chance. I really didn't mean that. I was just saying that we all reach out for 'help' somewhere or to someone. i was just commending nick for being humbly about expressing his faith. That's all. I think you read too much into my comment but that's okay. I know those with my views tend to 'overstate' their comments about 'God'. And I regret leaving you the impression that those 'who don't pray aren't worthy.' That was the farthest thing from my thoughts.
yay, go nick. new zealand is behind you all the way. we believe you can get a medal and fufil all your goals. your dedication to running is inspiring. keep it up!
Hey Luch. I think it's fine that you believe in that stuff, and just as well that many athletes do too. But to actually think that God (if there is a god) is going to help certain athletes is just ridiculous. I'm sure everyone in that race was praying they'd make it through. Does that mean the runners who didn't make it through aren't worthy enough? Anyway, great interview, great site.
well done Nick, and nice thoughtful reference to 'asking God for help' something many others scorn in athletes. Blessings to you in all your athletic endeavours. You are a great example of 'grace under pressure.' Nice to see guys like you and ryan hall, and josh mcdougall unashamed of your spirituality. Also love your teamwork with your wife.
Impressive. I think if you tried to edit this down into a 2 minute interview it would come off as quite lame. In the uncut version you get to see through the calm, almost boring demeanor and get glimpses of a remarkable intensity. Very insigtful interview Mark. I had no idea what Nick went through last year. Best of luck to him in Beijing
It could also be a sweet year for Killer Kev as well. I shaved my sideburns off for the first time in 8 years yesterday... pretty slick, if i say so myself.
remeber eric liddel?
he made his religion 1st and influenced many in a positive way, and lived an honorable life!