greatest runner without an olympic gold medal?

Seko, the greatest marathoner who ever lived.

Technically, Ron Clarke does have an Olympic gold medal

Seko, the greatest JAPANESE marathoner who ever lived

Seko, the greatest CLEAN marathoner who ever lived

Webb. A great US miler.

There is some difference between athletes running Olympics and not winning, and athletes who couldn't run any Olympics.

If we look at the second Group, I think the greatest runners without an olympic gold medal can be Henry Rono (Kenya boycott in Moscow 1980) and Saaeed Shaheen (5 years with 28 following victories in steeple from 2002 and 2006, 2 time world champion, and world record holder immediately after OG 2004, when was not allowed to run because Kenyan Olympic Committee didn't give him the release for competing for Qatar). Another can be Sandor Iharos, who could not run when was WR holder of 1500 / 5000 / 10000m in Melbourne 1956, due to the Hungarian revolution.

How about Ivo Van Damme 1976 Montreal, 2 silvers in 800 and 1500. behind legends John Walker and Alberto Juantareno. Sadly killed in auto accident later in 76.

Knowing the history wrote:

There is some difference between athletes running Olympics and not winning, and athletes who couldn't run any Olympics.

If we look at the second Group, I think the greatest runners without an olympic gold medal can be Henry Rono (Kenya boycott in Moscow 1980) and Saaeed Shaheen (5 years with 28 following victories in steeple from 2002 and 2006, 2 time world champion, and world record holder immediately after OG 2004, when was not allowed to run because Kenyan Olympic Committee didn't give him the release for competing for Qatar). Another can be Sandor Iharos, who could not run when was WR holder of 1500 / 5000 / 10000m in Melbourne 1956, due to the Hungarian revolution.

Wow! I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about the sport, but I must confess I didn't know much about Iharos. According to wikipedia, he at one point or another held world records for 1500 (twice) 3000, 2 mile, 5000 and 10000. The funny thing is, though, that, for the most part, he held those records only briefly and, actually, didn't hold any at the time of the 56 Olympics. He did compete, though in 52 and 60, running poorly at both. Good example, though.

Radcliffe, really??? She was just dodging WADA.

Saif Saaeed Shaheen?

Going back in time you have to give the Swedes Hagg and Anderson a mention. From the same vintage : as a Brit Iwould like to mention Sydney Wooderson. Remember , the 1939-45 war cost a lot of greats their chance at Olympic glory - Rudolph Harbig the most noted casualty. Carers tended to be shorter in the era of pure amateurism , not many athletes could see a couple of Olympics disappear and still be around for the next one.

As a Brit I'll confine myself to my compatriots.

Gordon Pirie ; multiple WRs , 3 olympics , 1 silver.

Ron Hill ; likewise but no medal of any colour.

Steve Cram ; multiple WRs , 4 Olympics , 1 silver.

Paula Radcliffe ; as mentioned by many others.

The all time "winner" (pun intended)in these stakes has to be Ryun. TOTAL dominance 1966-67 , falls short in 1968 for a variety of reasons (not the least of which was a superlative run by Keino)

had it for a little while wrote:

big ben J wrote:

BEN JOHNSON!

That was my first thought also.

Eustace Peacock of Temple

Make that Eulace Peacock

Stop giving preference to male runners, for God's sake! Those people here are seeing nothing but (US American) male runners. And IF a woman is subject of their talk, it's because of her looks.......disgusting.

For me the answer is clear: Paula Radcliffe!

Bernard Lagat without a doubt !

Most of the athletes named didn't win gold because they got beat by someone who was better. Some didn't win becasue they were injuried or for some reason didn't compete in the Olympics. I think is the most obvious athlete to never win a gold medal is Paula Radcliff.

Edwin Moses.

How so?

BillsFan wrote:

Technically, Ron Clarke does have an Olympic gold medal

Wilson kipketer never got gold.