That's because a sprinter 30+ seconds off the world record sucks dong.
That's because a sprinter 30+ seconds off the world record sucks dong.
You love him because he ran a 26:48, an 8:09 half solo indoor 2 mile, and a 3:34 1500m. When he would close in 4:00 at the end of a mid 14 or high 28/low 29 10000m I thought people were going crazy loving him so much for that and assuming he could close the same way but just at a faster pace. However, since the 26:48, the game has changed, and now he is a medal threat at both the 5000m and the 10000m.
I think generally people don't like him because of the advantages he has had. Of course thats not his fault, but its hard to deny that a lot of other runners would be as good or better than him with the same advantages.
Can you imagine high school fernandez with an underwater treadmill and an altitude tent?! He would have demolished 13:37.
Rupp isn't unbelievably talented, he's just had ridiculously perfect training since he was 14. And the fact is, that's because he was lucky. There are guys with better genetics that deserve to have been in his position, that would be faster with better finishing speed and more capable of getting an olympic medal for the United States. Not to mention, although I don't think Rupp is doping, he is clearly getting some serious medical/chemical assistance (thyroid meds, etc.). Who knows how much that's actually helping him, but the point is that he's doing it and it contributes to the overall image that people don't like.
The kid works hard and i'll root for him, but i also wish one of a thousand other more talented runners had been in his shoes.
I would love him so many different ways . . . . ;)
Fernandez is not a good example. He did very well as a high schooler, then chose the wrong college. Had he taken a half ride and gone to Eugene, he probably would be setting records as we speak. Instead he got a bunch of injuries, questionable coaching and little community support to keep his morale up.
Yeah, but from all appearances the guy has loved his time at Oklahoma State. He can now go pro, start doing all the things that prevent injuries, and become the Once and Future King.
Drake Monster wrote:
Fernandez is not a good example. He did very well as a high schooler, then chose the wrong college. Had he taken a half ride and gone to Eugene, he probably would be setting records as we speak. Instead he got a bunch of injuries, questionable coaching and little community support to keep his morale up.