Mini Phinney: Great Genes and Unlimited Potential

You are 17 years old, 6' 4" and have been cycling competitively for less than 2 years. Prior to that, you played soccer. Your mom, Connie Carpenter-Phinney, won the first Olympic women's road race gold medal in 1984. Your dad, Davis Phinney, was the first American to win a stage of the Tour de France, riding for an American team. He also holds the record for the most race wins in American history.

You are the first American to capture a Junior World Championship--2007 20 km Time Trial--gold medal since 1994. Now, with only one month of formal preparation, you go to the US Elite National Track Championships and put the hurt on the rest of the field, capturing a national championship and qualifying for the 2008 track talent pool. The youngest pursuit champion ever, you are now in the running for a spot on the 2008 Olympic Cycling team in the 4 km pursuit.

On the day after Marion Jones finally confesses, you are bright spot in the American sport scene. Go Taylor "Mini" Phinney. Show us that someone can reach the top of sport with the perfect storm of great genetics, supportive, but not overbearing parenting, and hard work.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey T!

You wanna know something weird!!!!!! Ted and I saw this kid about in June of 96. He was little and hyperactive. He was riding on the back of a tandem with Davis. We were at Ride the Rockies and his dad was giving a talk up on a stage while little Taylor ran around like he had a motor up his butt even after riding in the mountains all day.
Crazy!! Who'd a thunk it? S
8:00 AM
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