my 2 or 3 cents
Ryun was almost deity to many runners then. The mile was the glory event in the sport. He was thrust into the national and international spotlight much like any celebrity now. Factor that into the whole mix and the additional pressure must have been enormous. I don't think we can fully appreciate that part of the equation, espcially when you include his more introverted personality. Be that as it may
I recall sitting in front of the TV in disbelief during the '68 Olys. It couldn't be happeneing. In '72 what unfolded was all the more unbelievable.
I was fortunate(?) to run in an indoor mile race that was the first meeting between he and Keino after the 68 Oly. I think it was winter 71. JR somewhat redeemed himself winning in a 1320 race after all of us walked the first 440. He was first (in 4:06.xx - 160y track) and Keino was 2nd. The finish photo was the cover of next months T&FN. AND the BBC sent out a crew to cover the whole deal. Microscope. The papers and pundits concluded that the race hadn't answered any questions.
Like any other icon - you wish for a 'true hero'. I think JR represented a pretty fair percentage of the rest of us mortals - its rare that we win all the time and some of the loses are particularly bitter. His drama just played out in front of us, with seemingly much higher stakes and on a much faster merry go round. Pretty tough having an important part of your soul bared for all to scrutinized.