Egyptian lover wrote:
There's nowhere to run in Egypt where you won't get chased by packs of homeless dogs. Maybe on a track. That's my impression from a short trip I took there once.
This is a real issue.
Peter Bol grew up in Egypt and stated that he never ran or played outside until he moved to Australia at 10, because of the danger of dogs.
they ain\'t good wrote:
Egypt population 116 million. They have 0 Olympic track medals. Their best records are 8:21 steeple and 1:44.9 800; the rest are DIII or worse level.
Also, Turkey has only one Olympic track medal; 400H Bronze. Population 84 million. They have some good records: 1:44.0, 3:31, 13:00, 2:04. Actually, they match up pretty well with the brits as far as times go.
Nigeria population 236 million. They have 7 track medals, all in sprints or sprint relays. 14:15 and 29:04.
To be honest, this same observation can be applied not only to all but a half-dozen or so African countries, but to the overwhelming majority of those around the world. Even most of the very largest countries by population (to name a few obvious ones - China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia) have a very unimpressive history in middle distance and distance running. My guess is that it’s a mix of genetics, environment, and cultural interest that determines this.
Lol as someone who is Egyptian and a covid year running for a D2 this really hits close to home. I feel extremely limited with my genetics. I actually grew up in the states so I didn't have the struggle that is being widely discussed here. However, I run like 80 miles a week and only running a 26 minute 8k. I'm a bit more stalky, and can't seem to get under 160 lbs in a manner that is healthy. I feel like I work a lot harder than people who are faster than me and there is more to blame than just my raw talent, but something that I have to consider nonetheless.
Egyptian Runner wrote:
Lol as someone who is Egyptian and a covid year running for a D2 this really hits close to home. I feel extremely limited with my genetics. I actually grew up in the states so I didn't have the struggle that is being widely discussed here. However, I run like 80 miles a week and only running a 26 minute 8k. I'm a bit more stalky, and can't seem to get under 160 lbs in a manner that is healthy. I feel like I work a lot harder than people who are faster than me and there is more to blame than just my raw talent, but something that I have to consider nonetheless.
wow that is a he ll of a lot of mileage for such a stinko time I mean that is nasty bad
they ain't good wrote:
Egypt population 116 million. They have 0 Olympic track medals. Their best records are 8:21 steeple and 1:44.9 800; the rest are DIII or worse level.
Also, Turkey has only one Olympic track medal; 400H Bronze. Population 84 million. They have some good records: 1:44.0, 3:31, 13:00, 2:04. Actually, they match up pretty well with the brits as far as times go.
Nigeria population 236 million. They have 7 track medals, all in sprints or sprint relays. 14:15 and 29:04.
I think its the stinking hot climate,no altitude to train in,desert, overcrowding in areas where they live,no distance running culture,and limited opportunities to run,especially for women.
Egyptian Runner wrote:
Lol as someone who is Egyptian and a covid year running for a D2 this really hits close to home. I feel extremely limited with my genetics. I actually grew up in the states so I didn't have the struggle that is being widely discussed here. However, I run like 80 miles a week and only running a 26 minute 8k. I'm a bit more stalky, and can't seem to get under 160 lbs in a manner that is healthy. I feel like I work a lot harder than people who are faster than me and there is more to blame than just my raw talent, but something that I have to consider nonetheless.
Your forefathers built the pyramids by hand - maybe you should try weight lifting. :-)