Great race. Loved watching it. Okay. About to throw some shade at Chelimo. I love the sport and the personalities are interesting to me, so I'm gonna go all-in on what I think of our champion.
I am dismayed at the arrogance and pettiness of Paul Chelimo. I'm glad to have such a quick, smooth runner representing the U.S., who seems to be so consistent year after year. But his theatrics during racing, as well as his personality, almost completely turn me off to him as a person, and therefore as an athlete. In fact, I truly wish he would've gotten passed in the last 100m just to see the disappointment on his face afterward. Some of you might remember his pouty expressions after getting out-kicked in races past. Haha.
Anyways, here's why I actually don't like Chelimo: a) He is a self-conscious, notably insecure humble-braggart, with a pouty and entitled attitude when it comes to racing, b) His tactics toward other racers are manipulative and histrionic, and in this race, I would argue dirty. Let me explain:
A) Chelimo carries himself with self-conscious pride, and speaks with it too. He seems very concerned about looking good. On social media, his motto for years has been "Go Hard or Suffer the Rest of Your Life." This motto defines his entire state of mind. Chelimo feels shame and frustration when he loses, and he only feels good about himself when he wins. His past losses (can't remember where in particular, maybe 2016 US finals) indicate a pouty attitude when losing. As for his wins, such as this one, he will play dirty as I'll explain next, and then be totally buddy-buddy with the guys he out-kicks immediately after he wins. His attitude is bad when he loses (and when he feels he can play the motif that he's been slighted during a race), and good when he wins. This is how he lives his sport. Most elite runners have a more mature mindset. His, I would argue, is immature and selfish. (even his constant touches to his nose during races, which he's done for years, are body language indicators of an obsession with looking good- he did it in this race especially in the 2nd half).
B) In this race, he threw up one arm (and finger) basically right in Woody Kincaid's face when Woody got a little close. Within a few seconds after, he surged for like 3 seconds, and then slowed again with Woody matching his every stride. Then again, he threw up both arms at Hassan Mead when Mead checked him with a light touch to the back after Chelimo slowed right in front of him. Chelimo then turned around and complained to Hassan. In my view, these are just immature, theatrical excuses he gives himself to talk down to his competitors mid-race, for no good reason.
And the final home straight...my gosh. Maybe I just haven't watched enough races or been attentive enough, but I thought the way he went out into lane ~4~ to hold off Grant Fisher and Woody Kincaid was totally unfair. Like I said, maybe it's just me, but I have never, ever noticed such a tactic before. I've seen Mo Farah move into lane 2...I've never seen someone go into lane 4. This is unfair because he makes athletes who might well out-sprint him unable to do so. I feel that this is a dirty and almost underhanded way to get another title to his name. An athlete of good character doesn't do this kind of thing. I can't see Fisher doing this, or Kincaid, or Jenkins, Heath, Mead or the others. They just don't operate that way. Only someone as insecure and desperate for the W as Chelimo would do that.
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In Paul Chelimo, I see a highly driven, hard-working, and talented athlete with a selfish, conceited mindset who is willing to play petty interpersonal and tactical games with his competitors to look good. I see a man obsessed with looking good, and also with attaining positive attention from fans. I think this is evidenced by his social media presence. Anyone who disagrees, you're welcome to explain. Thanks and cheers all.