tammy j wrote:
Let's temper our enthusiasm in proclaiming her the greatest female distance runner of all time. She is a solid collegiate runner ...
I don't think anyone is saying she's the GOAT. Where do you get that? In track we have stopwatches that tell us how great a performance and performer is, and no one would argue that she is the fastest of all time ... because she isn't.
However, she was a young phenom, who has rallied and become far more than a 'solid' collegiate runner. (A solid collegiate runner is a reliable third man on a contending cross country team, or a multi-time conference scorer in track. A multiple-time NCAA champ with multiple NCAA record times is far more than "solid." It just makes your argument weak to say that and makes it feel like it's somewhat personal. .. but I digress.)
Fans are just excited about the potential of someone who wins and sets records at a young age. This is what it means to be a fan of track, or any sport. People are intrigued by Victor Wembanyama or Bryce Young because they are young and played great at the level they were at. No one is handing them multiple MVPs and titles by being excited to see them play at the next level.
I'm embarrassed I let this get to me, but I just came off reading the Josette Andrews haters on that thread and I honestly do not understand the mean-spiritedness and desire to see others fail. Remember, where attention goes, energy flows.