daggy wrote:
This whole episode speaks volumes about the sort of people that Willis and Rupp are. Forget what sort of runners they are for the moment (probably quite similar in their own domain).
To the above poster who commented on Willis' interview and your impression, I suspect you are taking the piss but if not you're waaaaaay off the mark.
I have raced and trained with NW when he has come back to NZ, and he is a man who carries himself with copious charisma and grace. He travels to small meets in little towns, races (finishes), hangs around to chat to junior runners and locals and sign autographs, warms down with anyone who cares to join. This summer he even invited anyone who needed a shower back to the place he was staying at so they didn't need to drive 4hr back to Wellington after the meet in their filthy gear.
I remember racing him at the NZ nationals in 2008, 1500m final. I had raced him once, in 2000 as a school athlete, that day I had gotten 30th and he was 3rd. In 2008 he shook my hand before the race and remembered who I was. He shook the hand of EVERY competitor before that race. Obviously he won with ease, ran the last 300m in circa 38s, but in the post race interview mainly talked about the guys who led for the first km to "keep the pace honest" and thanked them. He invited the whole field for a warm down with him.
Every year he pitches up to Christchurch to race in the international track meet there. Since the city suffered a major earthquake the meet has been held on a 330m grass track. There is NO chance of a fast time. Yet every year he shows up and gives the meet some big time athlete impetus. He has attracted athletes like Andy Baddely, Ryan Gregson and Will Lear to compete in the meet. He always spends hours after the meet meeting locals and signing autographs.
Even in the Diamon league meetings. Who remembers his interview after he ran 3:30 in Monaco. "Jeez, Kaki ran well!".
Since winning the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and getting the silver in 2008 Willis has dealt with a wrathful NZ media. John Walker frequently and ruthlessly rips into Willis after any race he doesn't win. He carries that pressure with incredible grace.
Willis is a genuine good guy of the sport. His humility and generosity are infectious.
Rupp. Arrogant, insecure, under a cloud of suspicion re: at the very least unethical medical interventions. Can any small time runner out there describe a time Rupp approached them for a chat a few minutes before a race or invited them for a warm down afterwards? Pulling out of races then describing the race as "unimportant". He is lucky any meet organiser wants him to race ever. New Balance certainly wont want to book him again. Full of excuses after poor performances (the "cuboid popping out" thing is laughable. Why not just say I suffered from a stress fracture which immediately healed post race). Lack of humility following good performances. Just not likeable.
Worlds apart. Rupp will be remembered as a guy who caused controversy and animosity, possible as a downright cheat. Willis will be remembered as the guy that reminded the world that white guys can mile, who stood up to challenges (remember how the Big Mazungo goaded him for a year before Willis cleaned the floor with him twice in 2006) and who selflessly went out of his way to better the sport given any opportunity to do so.
I too have been around NW at smaller venues. He is a total champ! NW was friendly, unassuming, and very accommodating to curious strangers.
I have also had the (dis) pleasure of seeing the GR debacle first hand. High school success, followed by turning pro, followed by an all-expense-paid legal/lobbying-stint to get him "reinstated" as an amateur.
GR isn't necessarily a bad guy, just awkward, goofy, and very unlikeable. Doesn't help that AlSal has such a sketchy past either.
If GR is remembered at all it will be because he is the "Justin Bieber" of distance running.