StillRunnin wrote:
What’s the deal with so many American athletes and coaches allowing their athletes to compete so sparingly? They act as if each athlete has a tiny number of “race vouchers” in a year and don't want to waste them. I guess I must be old school thinking that a few more competitions help you to sharpen and develop any weak spots. And we wonder why T&F doesn’t grow in the US.
The handful of ultra elite American track athletes realize that track fans don't matter. They are catering to the more general audience who will only tune in once or twice per year and only care about medals and records. Those results and that group are responsible for whether or not you get endorsements and Sportscenter commercials, etc.
IMO, it spotlights the Duplantis decision to compete for Sweden and not the United States. He is a charismatic guy and would be the face of American track and field, especially since there are so many clever ways to twist the pole vault into commercial campaigns. Sydney and Athing wouldn't have the same degree of avoidance excuse if a megastar like that was featured above them and competing all the time.
Somebody used Bol as contrast. A better one since it's the same country is Gabby Thomas. On the same day McLaughlin pulled out without explanation, Gabby enthusiastically highlighted her world tour on Instagram, including the race in Los Angeles: