Alex S. wrote:
Problems with my post:
1. National representation
From the beginning, this is what the Olympics was about, on the same level as the "Citius, Altius, Fortius," slogan. While attitudes might change, they still have national anthems and flags at the Olympics. We still have national colors on the uniforms. Our announcers throw shade on their athletes, and vice-versa.
2. Incapacity (let me finish)
I thought Deena made a decision that she shouldn't have, years ago. As I recall, (correct me if I am wrong) some time before the Olympics, she knew she had a stress fracture, or one in the making (something she was familiar with, in her career, as I recall). She chose to start the Olympic Marathon, and dropped out quite early in the race.
That was no good for anyone. Not good for Deena, not good for the USA, not good for the person who might have taken her place. It wasn't good for spectators, who also participate in the Olympics, for what it has historically meant.
Of course, talented athletes can will themselves to remarkable performances, but there are some exceptions to what can be overcome. Injury, or incapacity. Aliphine's potential may be incredible, but it may not be able to be realized by the Tokyo Olympics.
Aliphine has two build-ups: adapting to new motherhood, and trying to build up to worldclass marathon shape. That's one more obstacle than Des, or the next standby. If Aliphine ran a shorter distance, I think it would be a smaller hurdle to overcome...
3. But She Earned It
This can't be argued. But what did Aliphine earn? She earned the honor to represent and bring honor her nation, and she earned a place above her peers, to compete in the next few months in Tokyo, on a course which was later changed...
If Aliphine has found herself out of contention to medal a year later, the gracious, sporting, and "patriotic" approach would be to let another athlete take her place.
BUT IS SHE REALLyY OUT OF CONTENTION, can she even make her own case on the race course? I don't know, but it seems like she almost must be out of the running, on some basic rationales.
Peripherally:
I don't think financial considerations should be included in the discussion. The Olympics are an event which supposedly transcends deals, payments, brands, etc. Every athlete is in the same boat. If Aliphine could gain some sponsorships in the future, just by entering the Olympic marathon, that's not what should be taken into account. In any case, the "Marathon champ who chose to become a mother during Covid, when the Olympics were cancelled" has a lot of heft, I would think.
As an aside, if anyone finds anything obnoxious in what I said, I can assure you that it was not aimed at Aliphine, but at objectors to what I consider a fair view.