It’s not the critic who counts

What an amazing Olympics in London last month, both for the hard-working U.S. teams and for the many athletes who make our great state proud. Louisiana was represented well in several sports, including basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Some won gold and silver medals, a few got the bronze, but none of those winners was thrust into such an intense media spotlight as former LSU All-American Lolo Jones.

Most of you probably read The New York Times article by Jeré Longman that criticizes Jones because of her personal story, her beauty and the various marketing opportunities she has received. In his degrading article, he even mentions that Jones barely made the Olympic team this year and how 19 other people have run faster than her in 2012. Really? If Longman would have done his homework, he would have known that Jones had spinal surgery last year, exactly one year out from the 2012 Olympic final, to correct a tethered spine. Then, she had to overcome two hamstring injuries.

Hey Longman, did you know Jones was the first woman ever to claim back-to-back World Indoor titles in the 60-meter hurdles while setting a U.S. record in the process? Jones finished her career at LSU as a three-time national champion and 11-time All-American. I don’t know if Longman was just bored the day he wrote the article and was looking for attention or he just had an ax to grind, but either way, it reminded me of the fact that no matter what you do in life, you’re going to have some critics when you experience success.

One of my favorite quotes of all time on the subject is from Theodore Roosevelt. Many of you are familiar with it, but with “permission” from Theodore and as a tribute to Jones, this one is dedicated to Longman.

I’ve taken the liberty of changing “man” to “woman” in this instance.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong woman stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the woman who is actually on the track, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends herself in a worthy cause, who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if she fails, at least she fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

The reminder for Jones is simple. It’s a reminder for all of us. If you believe in what you are doing, then don’t let anyone or anything stop you from working toward your goal. So keep going, Lolo. Just keep running!

According to a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 42% of the nation will be clinically obese by 2030. 

One local filmmaker, his wife and their team of award-winning collaborators want to fight that alarming prediction and Louisiana’s reputation for lagging near the bottom of the nation’s health statistics. Baton Rouge native John Darling Haynes has created The Gumbo Gang, a new children’s public television program and web series that promotes health through music, movement, education and entertainment. The animation is just the first step in Haynes’ plan to impact the country’s health in positive and innovative ways, and it’s all starting right here in Baton Rouge. Read Jeff Roedel’s interview with Haynes, starting on page 40.

Our May “Ideas Issue” generated a lot of buzz, and we heard from many readers about the 11 ways to improve Baton Rouge outlined in that edition of 225. This month, we’ve followed up on some of those ideas to highlight one talented young man’s vision for City Park, to explore the possibility of utilizing the Mississippi River for commuter travel and to give kudos to a new mobile pantry offering fresh fruits and vegetables in north Baton Rouge, an area where some residents are cut off from healthy produce. We also received some interesting feedback from the mayoral candidates campaigning in this fall’s election. Read our continuing “Ideas” coverage starting on page 29, and email us your thoughts on improving Baton Rouge to [email protected].

This month, 225 and InRegister magazines present the hottest fashion show in Baton Rouge with the third annual Avenue Rouge Runway. This year, the glamorous event returns to Celtic Media Centre to showcase the latest styles and trends from some of the city’s best local boutiques. ?Fashionistas, models and fans of the magazines will mix and mingle during a cocktail hour, enjoy food and drinks, a lively DJ and, most importantly, get the first glimpse at new fall styles before they arrive in stores.

For more information on the event, visit 225batonrouge.com/section/avenuerougerunway.