Everytime I read or hear about Jim Ryun, I think what could have been. Obviously, he achieved a lot.
But he never achieved what he thought he could.
I remember reading The Jim Ryun Story, which was published in 1966, after his first world record.
At the end of the book, they asked him what he planned for in the future.
One of his goals was a 3:45 mile. Imagine him running a 3:45 mile in, say, 1968!
I mean, look at his mark when he was 19. 3:51.3, still number 6 all time on the World Junior List.
Where would he have been if he didn't get so burnt out?
MILE
3:50.25 Alex Kipchirchir (Ken) 09/07/03
3:50.39 James Kwalia (Ken) 06/01/03
3:50.41 Noah Ngeny (Ken) 07/16/97
3:50.69 Cornelius Chirchir (Ken) 07/12/02
3:50.83 Nicholas Kemboi (Ken) 06/06/08
3:51.3 Jim Ryun (US) 07/17/66
3:51.68 ----Chirchir 08/23/02
3:53.15 Graham Williamson (GB) 07/17/79
3:53.29 Hilary Chenonge (Ken) 06/01/03
3:53.43 Alan Webb (US)