“Speed Racer” – J. Spivey. 3 x US Olympian. 1500 & 5K. “Where is the Glory Going?” Hip Hip Hooray! Artwork

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“Speed Racer” – J. Spivey. 3 x US Olympian. 1500 & 5K. “Where is the Glory Going?” Hip Hip Hooray!

October 04, 2024 • Dr. Scott McNeal • Season 2 • Episode 14

Olympian Spotlight! – Take a stroll down memory lane (80’s and 90’s). Names dropped: Sebastian Coe, Sydnee Maree, John Walker, Steve Ovett, and Steve Scott to name just a few.

Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Olympian Mr. Jim “Speed Racer” Spivey. Man of faith, business executive, husband, father, and coach.

A graduate of Indiana University, Jim takes his strong and focus work ethic on a multi-year national and international running journey: earning multiple collegiate titles; winning two US national championships (1500), securing a World Championship bronze medal (1500) and representing the United States with three Olympic appearances: LA (1984, 1500), Barcelona (1992, 1500), and Atlanta (1996, 5K).

Jim resides in the Chicago area with his family and is a 15+ year veteran at a multinational company that manufactures and sells sportswear, shoes, and accessories. A company whose name in Latin [anima sana in corpore sano] translates to "a sound mind, in a sound body". Most of us don’t know this, but we love their stuff, nonetheless. Thanks, Asics.

Join Jim as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his collegiate challenges, (3) his international and Olympic competition, (4) his transition to coaching and the corporate world, and finally on (4) his God who helps frame it all and leads him to the finish line.

Quips:

“No money. Need to get a hurdler.”

“Oregon turned me off.”

“He carried me in that race.”

“Hip Hip Hooray!”

“Did you do the best with the talents the Lord gave you?”

"The Lord loves to hear your prayers."

“Peak at the right time.”

Guest Info & Contact:

World Athletics: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/jim-spivey-14251978

Olympics: https://olympics.com/en/athletes/jim-spivey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-spivey-9231146/

Email: jim.spivey@asics.com

Personal Bests:

• 800 m -- 1:46.5 (1982)

• 1000 m -- 2:16.54 (1984)