one 4 the ladies - video of 1984 womens marathon US Olympic trials

Witch hunt? Is that you Lynn?

Whoever you are, based on your reply, it seems you are not a fan of little things, such as, the truth. Without concluding anything (remember, this is NOT a "witch hunt") for the sake of this discussion, let's assume two things:

1) That she has significantly misrepresented her athletic credentials;

2) People are buying her book (and financially supporting her in other ways) based on false statements.

You have no problem with this?

I take it that you have no problem with false resumes?

You have no problem with someone rewriting history?

Is this fair to all of the real female trailblazers, who had to overcome significant obstacles to become world-class runners in the 1970s and early 1980s?

Of course, perhaps Ms. Petronella was a world-class runner - even there is no evidence that I am aware to support such a claim. Maybe she was the favorite for the (non-existent) 1980 Olympic Marathon for women. Maybe she did all of the things she claims to have done. All I am looking for is a few facts to back up her claims. I am keeping an open mind. If anyone else has information to suport her claims I would love to see it. That doesn't sound like a witch hunt to me.

I look forward to your reply Ms. Petronella.

Although I understand your position, I respectfully disagree with it.

Again, assuming that she has misrepresented her athletic background (I always keep an open mind), there may be many reasons why she has done this. Attention is just one. She does seem to be a person who likes attention. But I'm not sure that it is fair to conclude that she would like any type of attention.

Of course, there are a number of other possible reasons why a person might provide misleading information about their background - commercial gain comes to mind. Remember, she is attempting to sell books.

Pretending she doesn't exist (although tempting) does not seem to be the appropriate response in this situation.

Doubt it:

Obviously, I want to be fair to you and Ms. Petronella (assuming you are not the name person). Although I am sure that I understood what you were attempting to say, out of an abundance of caution, I will leave open the possibility that you meant something else. Therefore, if what you were suggesting is that Ms. Petronella hasn't replied becasue she hasn't seen this thread (possibly becasue, in your words, letsrun.com is a "backwater website"), I would appreciate your input regarding a potential way to address this problem. Do you think that it would be more likely that Ms. Petronella would see the questions (and have a reasonable and fair opportunity to respond) if they were posted on Youtube (in the comments sections with her videos) and Amazon.com (in the book review section for her book)?

Let me know.

Thanks!

All I was saying was that those who continue to pursue this seem to think too much of themselves. Do I find Ms. Petronella's words and actions to be distasteful and unseemly? Sure I do, and I wouldn't give her the time of day or listen to anyone who would. However, if Joanie isn't bothered by this sad loon then why should anyone else be? As far as I know, all she's trying to do is sell a crappy book full of lies. We all know better than to take her seriously or to give one slim dime to her book sales income and I doubt that this thread will ever produce satisfactory answers or outcome. Just my own view and it doesn't really bother me if you want to continue this fruitless exercise.

lynn who?

Sounds like you need more to think about in life. Let it go. There will always be people who are attention seekers. If Joan Samuelson isn't pursuing it then why are you? Who are you anyway? And why do you care so much? That's more the point now that this thread is this many posts along.

Canada76 - you are preaching to the choir. I doubt anyone on this site has purchased her book, or has it on their Christmas list. If you have a beef with Petronella, go to her website and send her an email or contact her publisher. Personally, I think it's all a bunch of nonsense, and ignoring her is as good as anything you can do. As I said before, and others since, if Joan Benoit Samuelson isn't bothered, let it go. Honestly, I can't think of any reason why this should irk you so much. Why such the hot pursuit? A previous poster is right... this thread is more about you now than it is about the looney woman.

canada76 wrote:

Although I understand your position, I respectfully disagree with it.

Again, assuming that she has misrepresented her athletic background (I always keep an open mind), there may be many reasons why she has done this. Attention is just one. She does seem to be a person who likes attention. But I'm not sure that it is fair to conclude that she would like any type of attention.

Of course, there are a number of other possible reasons why a person might provide misleading information about their background - commercial gain comes to mind. Remember, she is attempting to sell books.

Pretending she doesn't exist (although tempting) does not seem to be the appropriate response in this situation.

I completely disagree - this is hardly a "fruitless exercise". I happen to place more value on the truth than you do. I happen to think we have an moral obligation to pursue truth. It irritates me when there is reason to believe that someone is misleading others to make money (once again, I will keep an open mind whether Petronela is doing this). I also think it is unfair to women who were truly world-class runners of that era.

It is a trite observation that if a lie is told often enough, and not challenged, it becomes a fact in the minds of many people. Obviously, that sounds self-righteous, but it happens to be correct. If you choose not to read this thread, that is your choice - I don't really care. However, I'm not walking away from this issue. I would like to determine if there is any factual foundation for Ms. Petronella's claims.

canada76 wrote:

I completely disagree - this is hardly a "fruitless exercise".

Obviously. You must be getting something out of this, I just can't determine what exactly it would be.

I'll give you a clue which should help you narrow it down -it's not attention. Here's another clue - my goal is not to dominate the "one 4 the ladies" thread. Good luck solving this great mystery.

Have you spoken to Joan Benoit or Bob Sevene about this issue? Do you even know if they are aware of Ms. Petronella's claims regarding her involvement with Joan's career? How would you know if they are upset?

This sad "loon" is making money by making claims about her background which appear to be untrue (I am still waiting for any facts to verify her claims). You are not bothered by someone who is "trying to sell a crappy book full of lies"? I guess you don't have a problem with Kevin Trudeau (I appreciate the consequences of Trudeau's actions are far more significant - I am asking you to consider the underlying principle)

By the way, not everyone is as knowledgeable about the sport as you may be.

Is there value in asking questions which may expose someone who is making money off of people who believe her (allegedly) false statements? Is there value in ensuring that history properly reflects the truth? I happen to think there is.

canada76 wrote:

my goal is not to dominate the "one 4 the ladies" thread.

Too late.

Read my post again. You have confused the result (which I dispute) with my intention ("my goal").

The result is a direct reflection of your intention, unless you did all this posting while in a trance or under the influence of powerful psychotropic drugs. Like it or not.

Wrong again. Your lame attempts at humor are pretty sad. If you think that your messages will distract me or others from the issue, think again. I will continue to ask reasonable questions about Ms. Petronella's claims.

"Attempts at humor"? Please. I don't think your inexplicable hatred of women is funny at all. If you want to know what's really sad, it's your lame attempts at inquest. Not that being lame ever stopped you from repeated, if feckless, attempts.

By the way, "misogyny r us", you may be pleased to here that I really enjoyed Ms. Petronella's poems (found on her website).

Below you will find just a small sample of some of my favorite, and arguably topical, passages. Before we get to the poetry, I thought you might appreciate the understated introduction to "Born to Win":

" Written by Lynn Petronella ex- world class marathoner (expected to win the first woman's marathon in l980 when it was boycotted) Lynn Petronella went on to coach Joan Benoit to be the first woman in history to win the Olympic Gold Medal in the Marathon in Los Angeles in l984..."

-------------------------------------------

And now the poetry ("Born to Win"):

I am a woman who has goals and dreams- I can even be devious and make business schemes.

...........................

I am a woman who'll stick by her word.

No matter how others may think it absurd.

Believe it or not, I couldn't care less what you enjoy.

Nice try. 0 out of 10.

BFD.