10 episodes. I will always remember the journey to 10 episodes, my first 100 listens, and the wisdom that I take from each guest. This podcast has connected me with friends from high school, middle school, and now adulthood. Even further, it’s allowed me to have more in-depth conversations with people whom I look up to. That brings me to episode 10’s guest, track legend David Oliver. I know him as “Coach Oliver”, “Coach”, or “DO”, but he is a household name in the realm of Track and Field. One of the most decorated athletes in track and field history, and a former American record holder across 110 meter hurdles, Coach Oliver is just getting started as a coach. Now formally retired, as of 2017, he serves as the Director of Track and Field for his alma mater, Howard University. Oliver was appointed in the Fall of 2017, in hopes of restoring the national merit to Howard’s program. With Oliver also came a slew of other positive changes throughout the program. Oliver brought in his longtime close friend and former teammate Andrew Murphy( known as Coach Murphy the 🐐), and Coach Jessica Cousins, who had been interim director of the program at one point. We spend much of the Podcast speaking about Oliver’s athletic achievements, which include an Olympic 🥉 in 2008, multiple US championships,and a world championship 🥇 title in 2013. However , his coaching achievements in just a short time(less than 3 years), are tremendous. They include multiple scoring performances at conference meets across the board, especially in the hurdles. But, Oliver has always had his sights set on bigger, coaching athletes to regionals, nationals, U-20s, and so forth. The Howard Men’s hurdles group finished ranked 13th nationally, while the Women’s 200m group finished 24th, a credit to Oliver and long sprints Coach Cousins. Each year has reflected steady improvement on both the Men and Women’s teams, both athletically and academically. Oliver’s incredible discipline and work ethic are only outdone by his outstanding character. Take 13.00 seconds out of your day to relive greatness. Peace and Blessings. Recorded 9.11.20 David Oliver 2013 World Championship race: https://youtu.be/u2dq79XKMaw
