I was told 2 years before the Olympics that Alberto would perform poorly at the Olympics because of his fear of drug testing. Sure as shit he was right. I always believed that it was just a coincidence until talking with others that were part of AW back in the day. I could never prove it, but I believe it.
You're dealing in slander here. Furthermore, you're just plain wrong.
What a bunch of petty jelously. Was he on drugs in HS when he was running faster than most of you (us) ever have? Maybe he was on drugs. Regardless, he trained like a wild man. Was ready to race anyone, anytime, over any distance. THAT more than drugs is what makes you a star.
The 27:30 nine days before Boston was reportedly a test to see if he could double at the Olympics.
He's Cuban
I'm tired of hearing of what Bill Rodgers is running in his 50's. There's a guy named Chuck Moeser that would put an a** whopping on him. Ran 33:30 recently for 10k at age 53.
Big deal who gives a shit about these old guys any way. They had there day.
I agree, lets give the fame and glory to some of these up and coming Americans.
Actually it's libel dipshit.
He's Cuban
Good point.
Drug testing in 1984 was a joke, an absolute joke. It is well known that the person in charge of doping for the IOC destroyed results of positive tests at those Games. So I doubt it was fear of drug testing.
Salazar did not do well in LA because of the heat. The guy sweats like a glass of beer on a hot humid day. You try to run fast while losing 4 to 7 liters of water per hour.
He's Cuban
No doubt young Billy would concede to Chuck Moeser, being such a wonderfully encouraging and humble man. There is nothing wrong with discussing one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
He's Cuban
I think the point of this thread is that the up and coming Americans have a long way to go to get mentioned with the likes of these four. A 2:09 twenty five years ago on a nasty day on a difficult course (Boston) had meaning. A 2:09 at Chicago in 2003 is a nice run, but has little significance in the grand scheme of distance running.
This is news to me! But then I've been out of it for years. Can any of you tell me more about the drugs and Alberto, the rumours, the facts. It does surprise me and shock me. Back in the early 80's I certainly heard no such stories. Alberto was a hard trainer and young for a top distance runner at the time. Recovery comes a lot faster, mentally and physically especially when you do not know any different. It's all in the mind!
I did hear of him using some gadget to simulate high altitude training. I did actually see somebody using one in LA. A bit daft when there are high mountain areas very close by.
I heard rumours about several top athletes using steroids or whatever back then but they were only ever just rumours. The big shock for me was when Ngugi refused a test and was banned. Also Vainnio was caught which cast a big shadow over Finnish athletes. Nowadays with so many being caught it does cast a nasty shadow over the whole sport. Why athletes need to cheat this way just to win (and make lots of $$$) is beyond my simple mind. Takes the fun out of running. Whatever happened to pasta, mars bars and a six pack of glazed donuts. A real kick ass diet of champions.
Adrian
In the know wrote:
He's Cuban
Apparently having Cuban parents didn't help with the heat in the 1984 Oly marathon.
Dude, Some 72 year old dude set an age group record of sub 3 for the marathon in Chicago. If a 72 year old guy can break 3 hours at Chicago, Rodgers could do it in his 50s. Hands down, he'd break 3 hours. Jenny Spangler ran 2:32 at age 41 or whatever she is, for crying out loud. Shorter would break 3...you watch. Dumbass.
That would be 2:59:08 by 72-yo Ed Whitlock @ the Toronto Water Front Marathon
Archway Fan wrote:
Dude, Some 72 year old dude set an age group record of sub 3 for the marathon in Chicago. If a 72 year old guy can break 3 hours at Chicago, Rodgers could do it in his 50s. Hands down, he'd break 3 hours. Jenny Spangler ran 2:32 at age 41 or whatever she is, for crying out loud. Shorter would break 3...you watch. Dumbass.
Of course Rodgers could break three hours IF HE WAS COMPLETELY HEALTHY! He had a complete leg fracture eight months ago and was imobile for three months. At any rate I'm in the KNOW here. Now have fun and make sure you get daddy's car back to him by midnight.