Running with Neuroscience: How to Fast track improvement

In 1997, World Paralympic sprint champion Tony Volptentest ran an amazing 22.94 in the 200 meter dash on a high school track here in Illinois. Though the time is at best modest as a sprint performance, it was amazing in that Volptentest was born without lowers arms--and feet. So...no arms for "correct" swing mechanics, and no feet for active "push-off" in the latter phase of stance (which really doesn't happen). In fact, Tony had to rest his stumps on padded paint cans just to start. How did this happen?

The explanation coming from Harvard's Concord Field Station locomotion lab of Dr. Weyand's 2000 study: "Faster top running speeds are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movments"

Today we will discuss applying Occam's Razor and the latest research to old paradigms in athletics that are also applicable in therapy. so that it best serves our respective populations. Discriminating what we are "seeing" versus is what is actually happening will be discussed through various experiences of 35+ year track and field coach, Ken Jakalski.

Ken is an Illinois hall of fame coach and highly respected for his knowledge in both track and cross country. Ken has coached: 5 individual state champs, 4 state championship relay teams, 1 state record holder, 4 state champions in 400 meter dash, 19 state medalists in track, 102 state qualifiers in T &F.