Ray Flynn Interview

In this episode of Running State of the Sport, hosts Amby Burfoot and George Hirsch chat with Ray Flynn, a former elite miler and current athlete manager. They discuss Flynn's extensive career in athletics, his experiences at the Olympics, the evolution of athlete management, and the current state of doping in the sport.  Flynn shares insights on the upcoming (Feb. 8) Milrose Games, the significance of the Wanamaker Mile, and his hopes for the future of track and field. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among athletes, coaches, and managers, as well as the need for transparency in doping.  Key Time Points In Podcast Introduction to Ray Flynn's Career 08:38 Early Influences and Transition to Running 11:29 Scholarship and Cultural Transition to the US 13:59 NCAA vs European Club System 14:34 Competing with the Best Milers 17:36 Olympic Experiences and Expectations 19:29 Greatest Miler of All Time 21:50 Becoming an Athlete Manager 23:41 Managing Relationships in Athletics 25:29 Deena Kastor and Successful Partnerships 27:35 Doping in Sports and Manager Responsibility 31:08 Paris Olympics and Managing Podium Finishers 34:07 Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track 36:56 Milrose Games: Insights from a Meet Director 40:02 Comparing Armory and Madison Square Garden 41:58 Inviting Jakob Ingebrigtsen to the Wanamaker Mile 44:05 The Mile vs 1500 Meters Debate 45:35 State of the Sport: Positives and Negatives 51:00 Fairy Godmother Wishes for the Sport 52:44 You can learn more about Flynn's primary business, Flynn Sports Management, here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is Amby’s weekly newsletter with the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners.