499 Other Possibilities (1/2)

Rivers handed his letter of resignation to Williams, CEO of the U.S. Track and Field Association.

Williams took the resignation and asked, ”Coach Rivers, why do you want to resign?”

”I don't think I am qualified to be the head coach.” Rivers was clearly ashamed of this statement. ”I'm not as talented as many of the athletes and they don't respect me. Our training didn't go well.

At the moment, Rivers felt a little gratified. Aylwin's bullying gave him an excuse to resign. Williams had to accept his resignation.

Williams nodded to show that he has understood River's concerns.

As the leader of the U.S. Track and Field Association, Williams certainly had to pay attention to the daily training of the track and field team, so he knew that Rivers was not lying.

The main issue that Rivers had was with Aylwin. Rivers lost his respect so he lost the respect of the entire team. That's why I have to solve the problem from Aylwin first. No one will be able to coach the team if he keeps this attitude of his.

Williams felt helpless.

Aylwin was no ordinary athlete, he was the king of the 400-meter sprint. When an athlete was as famous and brilliant as Aylwin, he had power over the U.S. Track and Field Association. The association needed Alywin to get sponsorships and commercial spots. He was one of their most popular athletes

Moreover, because of the scandal, there were few athletes left on the US team that could win a gold medal. Aylwin was there best shot at getting gold this year.

Normally, the association wouldn't bother Aylwin. If they wanted him to do something, they'd ask him. If he said yes, that was great. If he said no, they couldn't force him to do anything that he didn't want to.

In this instance, Williams made up his mind to have a talk with Aylwin. After accepting Rivers's letter of resignation, Williams personally went to the training ground and invited Aylwin to the training room.

...

Williams handed Aylwin a bottle of unopened mineral water and said, ”Jimmy, Coach Rivers has handed in his resignation letter.”

Aylwin replied with ”Oh.” His tone didn't give anything away.

”Jimmy, I was wondering if you were dissatisfied with Rivers?” Williams asked with a smile.

”Dissatisfied with Rivers? No!” Aylwin shook his head, ”I just think he is not qualified to be the head coach of the national team. You know, Mr. Williams, that high-level physical training is like sailing against the current. You have to forge ahead or be driven back. If a coach is bad, then his athletes get worse. I didn't follow Rivers' instructions, because I don't think his training ability can help me maintain my current competitive state. On the contrary, it may cause it to become worse.”

”I see!” Williams pretended to understand what Aylwin meant. ”But you must know our current situation. We are greatly affected by the performance-enhancing drugs scandal. Most of the best track and field coaches in America are involved, so it's really hard for us to find an excellent track and field coach to lead the national team. Rivers, at the moment, was the best choice for us.”