Nick Symmonds on track to be the new Alan Webb?

You'll note that almost everyone gave him kudos, and support on all the threads about him.

He is a tough competitor, never chokes, loves to race, is always running tough as nails, always seeking to improve his skills.

Next up wrote:

You'll note that almost everyone gave him kudos, and support on all the threads about him.

He is a tough competitor, never chokes, loves to race, is always running tough as nails, always seeking to improve his skills.

Sounds like Alan Webb, circa 2007

Give it time...

He's smart. Has a college degree in Biochem.. He's not a failure no matter what he does.

smart man wrote:

He's smart. Has a college degree in Biochem.. He's not a failure no matter what he does.

You are misinterpreting. Just because he is not a failure doesn't mean this site won't tear him to shreds.

Alan Webb is arguably the greatest all around distance runner in American history (based on PR's from 800 to 10,000), but you would never guess it from the commentary on this site.

Mr. Symmonds is more than likely on his way to Letsrun Infamy (AKA real-world success)

Quiet, S to M. You don't need to defend yourself proposition on every post, it make it look like the proposition is a stupid one. Hmm.... actually...

Spectator to Morons wrote:

Next up wrote:

You'll note that almost everyone gave him kudos, and support on all the threads about him.

He is a tough competitor, never chokes, loves to race, is always running tough as nails, always seeking to improve his skills.

Sounds like Alan Webb, circa 2007

Give it time...

I doubt anyone here would accuse Webb '07 of "never choking".

All I am saying is, the signs are starting to appear.

The accusations of being overweight and bad race tactics were the beginning of the end for Webb (at least, on this board).

I was surprised to see those same topics for Symmonds.

You mustn't have been around LR yesterday. Almost every poster in every thread was totally supportive of the heart that Symmonds showed in that 800m final. There were a few asinine posts, but this is LR, what do you expect.

As a whole, I'd say that the view of Symmonds by the posters here is very high.

About 98% of all the posts here are needless bashing. Bashing Symmonds for failing in the future has got to be the epitome of stupidity. If the OP feels that way, he should email Symmonds at his website and say it to his face (electronically speaking).

I dont think a single member of the US team got away scot-free from some type of crticism. All they did was compete in the WCs.

All stems from jealousy, personal inadequacy and whatever demons possess negative people. Better to tear someone down to your level to make yourself feel better I guess.

people bash Alan Webb because he has more talent than anyone in the country (except Lagat obviously). He seems to be throwing it away due to lifting weights and being a head case. Nick Symmonds is very good and had a great season if he starts to throw away his talent and run badly like Alan then people will probably give him some constructive criticism as well that's how it works. You don't think when Bekele loses a race they don't bitch about it on every corner in Ethiopia?

I have only been here a short time, but letsrun appears to be a site for mediocre runners who hate good runners. I didn't realize so many teenagers were misanthropes already. This is not good.

Pad Berson wrote:

I have only been here a short time, but letsrun appears to be a site for mediocre runners who hate good runners. I didn't realize so many teenagers were misanthropes already. This is not good.

Not good at all.

Spectator to Morons wrote:

Nick Symmonds has now been bashed for being overweight and race tactics. How long before Letsrun abandons him entirely and turns him into a punchline? 1 year, maybe 2?

No need for Nick to feel bad about it. It is the natural progression on this site.

Young Kid with Potential -> Great Hope -> Iminent Hero -> Tragic Failure -> Scapegoat -> Has-been who did everything wrong

My advice to American distance runners: Give up now, it's now worth it!

You Hillel House guys follow orders to the hilt, don't ya'?

Spectator to Morons wrote:

You are misinterpreting. Just because he is not a failure doesn't mean this site won't tear him to shreds.

Alan Webb is arguably the greatest all around distance runner in American history (based on PR's from 800 to 10,000), but you would never guess it from the commentary on this site.

Mr. Symmonds is more than likely on his way to Letsrun Infamy (AKA real-world success)

No, my point is Nick Symmonds is a smart man who won't make the same mistakes as Webb. Who cares what petty bashing goes on about him-- people still respect what he's done. He's far exceeded his D3 athletic roots and will be successful in life. Webb has set himself up for failure, dropping out of Michigan to go pro, be coached by his high school coach, and have the pressure of the world on his shoulders. Did he ever get his degree? What will he do beyond? Nick Symmonds is a professional runner who does everything professionally. There is no comparison between the two.

Monitors: delete this thread

Official Petition:

1) Yummy

Wait: bad race tactics? Symmonds' tactics in the 800 final were just about perfect - excellent positioning, just lacking that final gear. Hopefully that will come in time (and training).

I think Alan Webb has just as may supporters on this web site as haters. People on these boards just like to argue. I think you are the hater. I am huge fan of Webb but i post that i think he is over weight due to hitting the gym all the time. This is not because i want to knock him but just because maybe people will realize that's one of the reasons he might not be doing well and someone somewhere might get the hint and tell him to stop working on his guns.

He'll never be like Alan Webb because he's already tremendously exceeded anyone's expectations. Who ever thought a little Boise kid who went to a DIII college would be our best 800m runner and be in the finals at a world championship meet?

Also, what is the best Webb has done in a World championship race? Symmonds gets 6th and you guys are saying he's a has-been?

You're very perceptive. That's exactly what these guys start doing when someone like Symmonds, Webb, Wariner etc does well.

Symmonds just needs a bit more strength, a little more experience on the circuit and in tactical races. Moving in and out and staying outside on the turns cost him some energy in the home stretch. Very ballsy running though. Can't say that for a lot of other yanks out there.