I look forward to reading this recap of the training methods of an Olympic gold medalist.
That said, I think these sorts of books should be seen as valuable data for serious athletes, but never as gospel. To paraphrase my former coach: if Nils van der Poel would make a point of always practicing in a tutu, would you as well?
In the 1950s, you could have a speed skating world record and not be focused on perfecting your training regimen, just like in the early 2000s, you could live a Shaun White lifestyle and dominate halfpipe. As more competitors emerge in a sport, the training system that the top athletes follow gets refined. https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1076586/the-chinese-...
I definitely think he tailor-made his training for himself. But how he did it, and that he did it all himself, it really impressive. I don't think many athletes could do it the way he did, and they clearly don't need to, but this clearly worked very well for him, and might inspire others too.
That said, I think these sorts of books should be seen as valuable data for serious athletes, but never as gospel. To paraphrase my former coach: if Nils van der Poel would make a point of always practicing in a tutu, would you as well?