Joe Clark : Speakers & Interviews

Amazing interview...plus my Dad's name is Joe Louis too!

Great interview...another Flotrack gem: giving us something that the networks could never deliver.

Regarding the sprints vs distance...I read it that yes he wanted to buck a possible stereotyping of blacks as sprinters...but he also believes that the type of training necessary to excel in distance (which Master G acknowledges is different than that needed for the sprints) is particularly good at building personal character.
Why might this be true Master G?: Of course sprinting is hard to accel in. yes it is more explosive...and because of this explosiveness there is necessarily a more idleness between reps... and there is a saying: the devil finds work for idle hands. Distance training is necessarily more continuously industrious by nature and Joe likes how that molds character. I happen to agree but as a distance guy I could be biased.
It means a lot to hear it from him.
Kudos to Selby for making the best of a great opportunity for a unique interview. I didn't realize he was the father of the 800 greats

From MasterG
"Why is it necessary for African-Americans to prove themselves in middle distances? Do they need to throw the javelin and hammer as well?
Underlying that premise is: there something deficient about the sprints. I maintain that the sprints are just as difficult a discipline as any of the other events. There's no need to prove anything."

I don't think African Americans need to prove ANYTHING. I also don't think that Joe Clark looks down on sprinting, or sprinters, in any way. I don't think he believes it requires any less discipline, or that there is anything deficient about it. I would bet that he loves sprinting and could talk for hours about his respect for it. I simply think that he wanted his kids to build a certain kind of character, not simply by avoiding sprinting, buy by avoiding a stereotype. Avoiding what he viewed as an "easier path" by falling into what all of their friends were doing, and what they probably felt was their only T&F;ability based on the tremendous success of other African Americans in sprinting on different levels. I think Joe really just wanted his kids to take "the road less traveled" in order to build a certain character. Not avoid sprinting simply because he thinks sprinting can't build tremendous character. He wanted them to take on what would be a greater challenge to them, by going against the grain of things.
I understand what you mean though. In those few minutes, he kind of does sound like he's talking down on sprinting and sprinters.

Joe Clark is a great educator, change-advocate and motivator. I wish our leaders in high school, collegiate and professional sports, local, state and federal government all took one page from his life and ordered their steps accordingly.

Great Interview FloTrack!
Continue bringing inspiring media to the stage you've been given.
Cortez

A good investment of 10 minutes of my time. Great interview!

Spints
he simply wanted to prove that african americans could run something other thn sprints. thats how i heard it

Why is it necessary for African-Americans to prove themselves in middle distances? Do they need to throw the javelin and hammer as well?
Underlying that premise is: there something deficient about the sprints. I maintain that the sprints are just as difficult a discipline as any of the other events. There's no need to prove anything.

Wow! This guy must've been in school for most of his 71 years. Anyone know his education background? Does he have a doctorate in anything?

Dammmmn! I think we have just had our minds blown by an epic force of nature! I know mine was. That was unbelievable. Listening to him makes it pretty hard to rest on any possible excuse we may have. This is one of the best Flotrack interviews EVER, right up there with Ryan's with Darren Brown when he broke 4 for the first time, and the enthuisasm and infectious energy of so many Jenny B interviews.

Very nice

wow! I am impressed. nice job selby

Epic Interview. A+++. Best interview I have seen on here so far, better than any Jack Daniels, Wetmore, etc. interview...

"It's not about winning or losing but about how you played the game". Great Interview.

This is a classic interview!

I have met Mr. Clark and he comes across as very stern, which he is, but he is also very nice person. Btw, he kids started out as long distance runners and worked their way down to the 800.

Great interview! A lot of big words.

Anyone who has not seen the film, "Lean on Me", is missing out. That is a real powerful movie.

This is super awesome! Flotrack and Joe Clark rule.

What an intelligent and well spoken man, if only everyone could be like him. Great Interview.

love it.
he's one deep thinker

Great Interview

definitely the best interview yet on flotrack. wow. just wow.

he simply wanted to prove that african americans could run something other thn sprints. thats how i heard it

I never did understand his aversion for the sprints. The sprints require just as much dedication and work as the middle distances - just of a different nature. The sprints are explosive, so the training has to be different by definition.

I never did understand his aversion for the sprints. The sprints require just as much dedication and work and the middle distances - just of a different nature. The sprints are explosive, so the training has to be different by definition.

Thirsty Thursdays with Joe Clark please.

The man that started it all.

There have been some great interviews on Flotrack. But this may be the best. Awesome. I am inspired and am circulating to everyone I know. We need more Joe Clarks!!

I have waited for this interview! It is everything I expected..

I am very appreciative of this video. It was really great.

Best Flotrack interview so far.

Good stuff Kevin!

Thanks Kevin- that's great