norseMN wrote:
The same qualities that make Centro hard to tolerate as a person are the things that make him a great championship racer. He’s confident to a fault, unbound by the traditional limits of conscience, and he’s “toxically” masculine.
He reminds me of Lance Armstrong in a number of ways, and how I feel about Centro is similar to how I feel about Lance. I admire their abilities to achieve top results on the biggest stages against the best competition. I admire the way both of them are driven by winning. And, I respect the swagger both exude when others are pissing their pants.
Both guys are willing to cross ethical lines and win at all costs. Both are notoriously self-centered. And, both are easily offended. I don’t admire that stuff, but you don’t get the good without the bad when it comes to human beings. The LeBron James/Michael Jordans of the world don’t come without some deficiencies.
Assuming the race is tactical as virtually every Olympic 1500 Final has been for decades, Centro has a good of a shot as anybody to medal. He’s not the fastest 1500 runner in the world, never has been, but he’s one of the fastest finishers of slowish 1500s ever. His resume says he’s one of the best middle distance/distance runners in US history, like him or not.
Winners win. When they can’t win anymore, they retire. Centro still believes he can win.
O My Gawd.
Lance was the most prolific PED user in sports. You can't possibly use him as ANY example of what it takes to be a champion.