Has anyone ever compared these two runners? Rupp has had a way better career. Way better pharmacist too.
Mantz definitely has a chance to be the top American for the next 5+ years though, and get the half + marathon records. Can't imagine he gets olympic medals though, and even a 3rd at a major would be great for him.
I'll be interested to hear comments about the wind from miles 20.5 to about 24. It seems to really be a factor based on nearly everyone slowing significantly there.
Back in my day we ran naked and barefoot in trackless wastes, through jungles and across snow capped mountains. No structured training, timing or record keeping. So wearing any shoes and running on a designated course as "sport" is already the refuge of weaklings. Not to mention taking in vain the name of what later generations of the Greeks among your people worshipped as the goddess Nike, daughter of Pallas and Styx. As for "just do it", this is clearly a doctrine of Americans and hobbyjoggers. You Homo Sapiens branch of are a disgrace to our species.
- Rough translation of the grunts from an anonymous commentator