Handball
legend Jackson Richardson represents handball as Athlete Role Model (ARM) at
the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. In his duty as ARM, Richardson supports and
interacts not only with the young participating athletes but also
introduces the handball sport to the public. In an interview with the IHF he
talks about his duties as ARM and the young athlets at this YOG.
What
do you think about your task as Athlete Role Model here in Singapore at the
YOG?
Richardson: It is very important to be
here at the first Youth Olymic Games in Singapore to share my experience of the
Olympic Games with the young Athletes, to lead them and to answers to their
questions.
Which
advises would you give to the young athletes?
Richardson: Actually it is a privilege for
the young athletes to have the possibility to live the spirit and be part of
these Olympic Games. This is quite a good motivation for them and gives them
the opportunity to get an idea of the future being a professional athlete.
What
kind of differences you see, when you compare your generation with the current
young generation here?
Richardson: The young generation is much
more mature than I was at their age. They are physicaly, technicaly and also in
their knowledge about handball advanced. This might be the result of the
technical development, I mean Television, Computer, etc.
Does
this generation also fulfills the expectations regarding the defense?
Richardson: The defense is in my opinion
very good, physically and also concerning their engagement. The young athlets
of today are much taller and more powerful.
What
will be your next task when you have fulfilled the one as Athlete Role Model?
Richardson: I will stay three days at home
before I have to travel to La Réunion