I agree with the above post by Danceronice. However, somehow when it comes to GM I totally forgive him and remain respectful of him and his coaching. We are a very sporty family and I am very familiar with elite athletes and coaches - up to Olympic level - and there has never been a need to be abusive or demeaning to an athlete who puts so much heart and dedication into their sport. It starts as a fun occupation for kids until it morphs into the elite level where every attention to detail is met. Athletes are hard enough on themselves, they need a coach to believe in them and make them bounce off the walls with confidence.
I have, over the years, had abusive clinicians, and have walked out of the classes, or pulled my kids out, if I felt we were not gaining in knowledge or self-esteem from instructors who think it is smart to degrade. One still brags about making kids cry …no meeting of the minds there. It is not about being thin skinned, or needing to be trained a certain way. It is about having my kids in a respectful environment so they learn to be respectful and useful citizens with good role models. There is a fine line between parents pushing their kids or supporting them to reach their goals.
I would imagine that his regular students or the ones who have gone on to greatness, never see the side of GM that is being discussed here. Myself, we found him to be smart, demanding, very quick, could see everything, and had a wonderful use of words and charm.
I would wager that those who criticize GM are neither elite riders or have ever ridden with him…and if they have, they should have figured out what the gig was first.
