My ex claimed state record times during the 1990's.
A few years after we married I decided to look into these accomplishments via the internet. First I was a bit puzzled, then frustrated, which turned to anger.
When I hear the same untruths told to our kids (who are runners) I want to say nonsense. I have yet to meet a non athlete who thinks this is something to be upset over.
One of our kids told me they thought the claims were preposterous while the other believes the myth despite the lack of internet verification. It is a sticky family situation to say the least and it was somewhat a factor in our divorce.
I don't believe fast times anymore unless I see some hardware.
I learned that you can quickly get to the bottom of a fabrication. Believe it and then ask about splits and lap times. It's rare for the lie to be rehearsed that deeply. When people say I don't remember then you know it's not true. Any and every person who ran an amazing time can tell you their splits.
People make the most startling claims about their past, like our President and his three degrees and top of the class standing. For some people a lie is a big deal while for many it means nothing?
I currently work for a person who complacently tells me to say things that are untrue about my athletic accomplishments, including Olympic qualification. (Me) "I didn't make the trials". (VP) "Just say you did. People want to hear that". "it's good for the company". I am considered a bit unreliable and untrustworthy because I won't make outlandish claims about my sports past to help impress potential clients. Yeah, planet Htrae.
A coach told me it's fairly common for jobs applicants to claim Olympic team status. He said the first time he checked the results were untrue as well as the second. He asked someone at USOC how often these claims arise and prove to be untrue? The answer... daily.