Why is the United States not as competitive as East Africa in distance events?

Titan wrote:

They dont do 200s because they are not a fast twitch people.

Titan: I believe this was said in response to Jason's (i.e. 666energydrink) comment about Japanese marathoning. If so, that is utter B.S. Check out Japanese Judo, Karate, and other marshal arts if you believe the Japanese are not a 'fast twitch people'. Check out Japan's results at Olympic Judo if you need proof.

It's cool that you've trained with some greats but please don't spew B.S.

rounder wrote:

Titan wrote:

They dont do 200s because they are not a fast twitch people.

Titan: I believe this was said in response to Jason's (i.e. 666energydrink) comment about Japanese marathoning. If so, that is utter B.S. Check out Japanese Judo, Karate, and other marshal arts if you believe the Japanese are not a 'fast twitch people'. Check out Japan's results at Olympic Judo if you need proof.

It's cool that you've trained with some greats but please don't spew B.S.

You don't think that's an issue of acceleration versus top speed? There are good Japanese sprinters. Their 100m and 200m NRs are 10.00 (+1.9) and 20.02 (+0.6). But that's no different than much of Europe. There can be good potential sprinters anywhere, and you may end up with an occasional Lemaitre. But there seems to be a much higher propensity of them in people of West African heritage and the very best are all of West African heritage.

I have no problem with a genetic explanation of the probabilities in our sport (not that I always agree, but a genetic explanation like the one you gave is at least a good place to start the debate). But I just wanted to call B.S. on the 'not a fast twitch people' remark.

Plus, it seems like people are defining 'fast twitch' in all different sorts of ways. It looks to me as though MLS players (also note here folks like Ichiro and Matsui, but could be anybody) is a 'fast twitch' athlete, right? If stealing a base or getting a home run or an ippon in judo is NOT fast twitch, then I don't know what fast twitch is.

I think that Jason's comment still stands, that the Japanese have huge depth at the marathon, although no male superstars for quite awhile, for largely cultural reasons. Japanese are good at Judo for largely cultural reasons. Americans used to suck and are now getting much better at soccer/football for cultural reasons.

When it comes to distance running or sprinting you want people with light builds who lead active life styles. You'll find a lot of people who fit that bill in the East African country-side; a mix of genetics and culture. No doubt a similar mix of explanations accounts for sprinting domination among those with West African genes.

I like point 7 the best! why is it the same old broadcasters??? Get some new blood in there, like one of these guys or gals who make such valid points on letsrun.com