bringbackjuicy wrote:
anyone have any idea why BTC keeps her around? Maybe it doesn't cost them anything (if she's kit only), but I'm sure there are tons of runners who would also accept that deal who are faster, younger, and with more potential. I know people say "exposure" because of her large following, but do BTC and Nike really need exposure? Seems like Jerry has a soft spot for her. She sees like a hard worker and likable, but is that enough in an elite training group?
I mean potentially. You often see in other sports that teams will take on a vet who might be not as good as they once were, might not be a starter etc but have good attitudes, championship winning experience, are role models etc. I noticed that when she ran that 15:08, almost all the BTC women had a big positive reaction on social media. Seems she is liked and respected within the team. If she contributes positively to the group and is independent enough that she doesn't suck Jerry's attention too much I could see it being worthwhile not to disrupt that. Particularly right before an Olympic year when the team has just lost two older/more mature veteran influences in Ryan Hill and Kate Grace.