In Defense of Galen

One's knowledge of liability in regards to libel has nothing to do with the assertion that Galen is a "grey zone runner".

Please tell us what happens in this grey zone that will lead to future bans.

I'm waiting.

jack frost doesn't have one shred of evidence that rupp and NOPe are clean or that Salazar is a nice guy. Let's see some evidence.

jack frost wrote:

A Duck wrote:

Lastly, as I have often said, the Rupp haters are confined to this board -- and the type of lowlife unhappy people that would read shite here and believe it.

I never meet people that believe or spout LRC level bullsht in the stands at meets, or people behind the scenes -- they all think this board is a cesspool full of idiots.

It is and it has fallen even further each of the past few years.

Sadly, I have encountered lies spawned from these boards in the real world. I recently spoke to a HS cross country team at the start of their season, and related my collegiate experiences to them, and answered a few questions. The first question came from an assistant coach, "Is it true that Galen is on drugs?"

So that was kind of an unfortunate experience.

I don't doubt that it is out there, but it is only the weak minded you would get their sole source of info from these boards.

jack frost wrote:

It was 2006, because that was when Galen was dealing with a string of illnesses he couldn't seem to shake, and that led to the thyroid problem being discovered. So much for the spirit of transparency!

So my memory of the year was correct.

It's crazy the libel allowed on this board.

None would ever know that Salazar used DMSO on his hips, or took Prozac for depression/immune system, if he hadn't been open about it -- as he was with Rupp's thyroid.

The real phenomena beneath all this message board underbelly is that it reveals how disgusting and libelous anonymous cretins are willing to be. And even one non-anonymous one.

I agree. I still haven't learned how to fully accept people anonymously insulting people I know, respect, and admire (on both personal and athletic levels) with no rhyme or reason.

I chose to veil, albeit somewhat thinly, my identity because I would prefer this thread not derail my professional life.

jack frost wrote:

I think it's safe to say that "A Duck" and I are probably separated in age by at least 25 years, if not more.

Sadly, for me, you're probably right.

I don't know. It was only passed to me through two persons. The teammate that witnessed it and my friend. I don't like thinking that everyone is a doper, but when you look at the world record set by Henry Rono when he was in college (hopefully clean), he would nearly be lapped in today's races. I don't think that this many clean athletes could beat him when he was clean.

New technologies--Nike Special Labs--are responsible for Henry Rono being a minute behind today's experimental runners.

like it is wrote:

People don't hate galen because they are jealous. The reason that galen is the most hated person in American sports is because he is a cheater, looks goofy, has zero personality, is spoiled and is pretty damn stupid.

Of course they do. He's got a silver medal from the Olympics - something you dream about incessantly. You are a joke. Get off these boards.

Tactician wrote:

Of course they do. He's got a silver medal from the Olympics - something you dream about incessantly. You are a joke. Get off these boards.

Lance is a 7-time TdF champ.

Rupp has seemingly had a very protected and cloistered life. Runners of his ilk do not need to exude charisma but Rupp seems like he's from another planet. Rupp has never said anything humorous, never said anything self-deprecating, never has done anything charitable to benefit others. He refuses to engage.

The guy seems to be a highly-trained corporate laboratory rat. I realize sacrifices need to be made to perform at Rupp's level. But he so far has not done anything for me to believe he is a human. Ryan Hall is pretty far out there with his religion but he seems like a good guy all things considered.

When everything is said and done, it will be highly debatable whether Rupp has pushed the sport forward. He will be thought of as a guy who ran some incredibly fast times. The questions will always be there.

Tactician wrote:

like it is wrote:

People don't hate galen because they are jealous. The reason that galen is the most hated person in American sports is because he is a cheater, looks goofy, has zero personality, is spoiled and is pretty damn stupid.

Of course they do. He's got a silver medal from the Olympics - something you dream about incessantly. You are a joke. Get off these boards.

I would rather be lapped ten times than get a boxful of medals from cheating. Cheating at sports is the most ridiculous act I can think of. rupp is no better than Rosie Ruiz. His lack of personality strikes me as being sociopathic, which is what it takes to cheat.

buddy puddy wrote:

Rupp has never said anything humorous, never said anything self-deprecating, never has done anything charitable to benefit others. He refuses to engage.

I actually found Mr. Rupp one of the easier Ducks to engage when he was in town.

Offer him a grape soda sometime and see what happens.

A Duck wrote:

Boulder Cafe wrote:

What year was it that sleazy wrote about the impossibility of getting an Olympic medal without doping?

Dooshbag, what year did one of the Brojo's personally interview Salazar and Alberto told him that at the time of that interview there was no test for EPO?

Dumbfck.

And what year was Salazar interviewed when he went on record that during his career he was never offered or presented the temptation of PEDS?

Drunken dumbfck.

The fact is that sleazy stated categorically that it is impossible to win without doping. That is what he believes, that is what he wrote. There is no getting around that fact. I realize that you aren't very bright. You haven't been able to even learn your native language after 60 years of exposure. I don't know what your agenda is, but rupp, sleazy, nike and NOPe would be infinitely better served by a better spokesperson. Every post you make lowers their image.

4k4k4k4 wrote:

So many idiot runners basically emaciate themselves to gain 5 seconds in their 3k, give up job/internship opportunity, ruin their social lives, daydream constantly about running/training, etc. just to run their 16:00 5k

just dripping with pathos

30th Avenue homey wrote:

Offer him a grape soda sometime and see what happens.

That's the thing. Rupp probably wouldn't drink anything "offered" to him without Salazar's permission.

In a way, I suppose that's smart.

I've been involved with the sport since 1971 when John Von Reeden was on the cover of T&FN. If I ever saw Shorter, Rodgers, Nenow, Virgin or Spivey hanging out in an airport terminal, I'd probably say something like, "I enjoyed your career". With Rupp, I doubt I would do that. He doesn't seem like the type of guy who can rock back on his heels and exchange pleasantries.

1) The original post on this thread shares an honestly-held opinion. Because I have no facts to controvert his viewpoints I should call him increasingly insulting names because that is how we should treat fellow track fans. Sticking to respectful debate and making intelligent comments is soooooo boring. Much better to call someone a fanboy or worse....

2) The US has really not had serious long distance prowess on the international scene for years. Rather than celebrate that we have someone in the mix I feel that we should make unsubstantiated claims and pass them off as "everyone knows". Why be a grateful fan when I can cynically criticize?

3) Galen Rupp, what a tool. He doesn't tell jokes, get tattoos, date celebrities or have a dynamic personality nor effusive charisma. Jerkwad. Watch this interview from 2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qed47Rb4hOM

In it Galen gives respect and props to competitors, training mates, his coach and support staff. He answers each question patiently and respectfully and when asked about the most impressive performance of the year he gushes over Solinsky's season and marks. What a useless tool.

I'd much rather have a runner that had no results nor decent marks while also not being competitive on the international stage but who can tell a joke and make me laugh. This is the important criteria for assessing athletes.

Loyal friend and husband that thinks long term? Jerk!

A 24 year old actually making long-term, patient plans? Better to burn out than fade away I say. Have impressive early career results but take yourself out of the game by 26! That is the ticket.

I was on my favorite running trail the week before the Chicago Marathon in 1986 (which may have been "Mayor Daley's Marathon" or "America's Marathon") when Toshihiko Seko came flying up on me in the opposite direction.

Seko nodded at me.

I doubt I would warrant any type of reaction at all from Rupp.

I love how OP titles this thread "in defense of galen" and then in one of his first posts states "My main point wasn't about Galen's purported use of thyroid, it was about its use by others than has gone unquestioned and ignored during a time frame when he has been publicly attacked by Virgin, Fam., Fleshman, et al.

"

So are you defending him or attacking others buddy?

point is Galen used a drug that gave him a competitive advantage. A hormone enhancing drug!! obviously it's had major benefits for him...