Loquai
I found treasure not where I thought
-Peace of mind can’t be bought-
Still I believeJust hang on – Suffer well –
Sometimes it’s hard – its hard to tellDepeche Mode –from their latest album “playing the angel”
At practice today I took a few pictures of John Loquai doing a 3 lap fast tempo through sunlight spattering across one of the turns (every lap under 30 seconds! Wowsa!).
Later this same evening, Jessica bought a just released Depeche Mode album, these lyrics were playing, and I thought of John.
John originally was a hockey player, but had to give up that sport after SIX CONCUSSIONS!
Certainly John has “found treasure not where he thought” because after a year and a half of switching to speedskates, he earned category 1 status at Olympic trials (basically, one notch from national team, and that earns him the right to wear the USA). As my buddy Kirk says “John gets faster ever time he touches the ice.” Its true, he has even improved since trials.
However now the real work begins over the next 4 years. John has the raw talent, the feel for the ice, the internal drive to train hard, all the pieces are there. But now the specter of money suddenly raises its ugly head. How to eat? Pay rent? Have a life? This sport demands total commitment to reach the top level, and no guarantees of anything but memories. It’s a very hard choice to make.
He is looking for sponsors, some way to not starve while training full time. I can totally empathize. This is a hard spot to be, to be so close to the full national team ride, but still one step away.
If there are any good corporate sponsors out there, jazzed up about the Olympics, and looking for a dark horse with talent and a good story, John might be your guy. It’s a hard, but rewarding path he sees in front of him. Suffer well John, I wish you luck.
Filed under: from home
Andrew, thanks for the nice words about John. I hope to see you in Salt Lake next week at the Champions Challenge.
Good Luck!
Tom Loquai
Go John!
UncleT
I am glad the family is happy, you should all be proud, I know first hand how hard this sport is, and how rewarding…
as I said, the real work starts now… as John has only just begun to realize his potential… (I am in my 5th season, and I don’t skate nearly as well technically as these photos show john trucking along.. in this particular series he was about 700m into his 1200m effort, and the last lap movie I took looks almost identical technically, and that is Haaaard to do)
Out east we call him J-Lo
Hi John,
Your commitment and hard work are paying off. Keep up the good work and you will achieve your goals!
Uncle John
Hi John,
Glad to hear that your are making such great progress. My college coach would always say: “It’s just a matter of discipline: Do it Right! Do it Hard! Or, Do it again.” For the moment, all discipline seems more painful than pleasant…but your ‘rewards’ will come later. Congratulations and best Wishes.
Phil. 4:13 Roger Reis
retired coach
Look up to ideals
But do not run away from reality
Make an endless wish
If you concentrate
And perfect yourself
You’ll break through the barriers
See you this summer!
John,
I am a fiend of your uncle John. These photos look good to me. We’re rooting for you. I anticipate cheering for you in Vancouver.
hi John and Tom,
i hope you will get your personal perfect results on the challenge in Berlin, germany.
Tom told me about this… i am sorry , I can’t see it, cause I will be in Austria in November.
Good Luck John
Michael
Berlin, Germany
hey good luck i havent talked to you much but u are doing good keep it up and just remember “get pumped” ha
good luck
josh loquai