African American kids not interested in distance running?

A guy named Reggie Williams in California, elected into the Sacramento Running Association, may have said it best: It took them [his coaches] a while, and a lot of hair-pulling, to convince [him] [he] wasn't a sprinter.

He had speed, alright, and used that to win both the CA state 1600m (4:08.78) and 3200m (8:59.61), with superior kicks. He won GWI (8:16.79) with a 2:01 last 800m. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8wci4owSTc

Maybe a lot of kids several races give up when they realise quite early that they're not the fastest kid on the block and probably won't be. They lack mentoring to give the next distance a go.

Good point. My concern is, that it might be considered "lame" to run anything longer than sprints, as it would mean that you're slow and would then be seen as an outcast, "that weirdo" by your black peers? So maybe if you're unable to fulfill the stereotype, it's easier to simply focus on something not related to sports?

Nobody is expecting white children to be fast, therefore it's normal to see them in bigger numbers in the distance running.

Why more blacks are not into tennis or swimming are beyond my understanding. Simone Biles is one of a very few black gymnasts as well, which is crazy, considering the athleticism of many African American children.

Let's be honest; Black Americans are already overrepresented in America's top sports. From athletics (despite your claim) to the fairly recent -- for your country -- rugby. Plus, have you seen Athing's mentors, community or even biggest [American] competitors?

The vast majority of African American (and not from recent immigration) come from West Africa, and these guys are fast twitch. Which is why they're in every sport where sprinting is more important than endurance.

I'm amazed at how high these kids can naturally jump and how fast they can sprint.  I doubt that translates into a great 1500m...   Can't have it all

This might be it. Either way I'm surprised that USA has had 1(!) world class African American pole vaulter so far - Lawrence Johnson aka LoJo (5.98m).

And what about other field events: Discus, Javelin, Shot Put... There's gotta be some explosive African American giant that would have great potential in Shot Put?

I understand, that culturally they're much more drawn towards basketball and football, but c'mon, nobody?

Nathan Martin ran a 2:11:05 at the Marathon Project and broke Herm Atkins’s “American Born” record (aka West African descendant record) that had stood since the 1970s. Since some people were upset when the “American Born” thing was brought up with Nathan, it will be interesting to see what the discussion is like when a second generation East African beats Nathan’s time.

Distance running is too damn boring. The only American people who are interested in long distance are white people who can't run fast.

OK, you got your minus one.
McFarland High School athletes would tend to disagree with you.

While I somewhat agree, I also would like to point out tennis and baseball, which are not exactly super exciting either...

It has a lot to do with exposure, representation and money. Think of Venus and Serena Williams: Both grew up learning to play on public tennis courts with broken nets etc. Their white counterparts grew up playing at country tennis clubs. Same for many other sport, if a black child or any child is not exposed to a wider world and see others who look like them doing it, they will never think to do the same. And even if they want to give it a try, but don't have the resources to get into a club, buy the equipment to hone the potential talent, nothing will ever come of their interest and potential talent. That's why representation is extremely important. Why do you think so many black american children play american football and basketball?

Then you have the obvious - running is one of the least expensive thing to do.

I would agree with you on baseball. I however do find tennis exciting. Plus in tennis there are lots of quick burst sprints to get to the ball.

I have never heard of McFarland Highschool athletes. What are they the exception to?

We've had a few African American throwers but given lack of glory or money why would anyone pursue those disciplines?

Distance running is hard work

Early candidate for dumbest post of 2022.

As opposed to basketball or american football, which isn't??? Everything is equally hard, as a person can only give 100%.