Why did Hocker bother to race at Nationals if he didn't care about representing the US at Worlds?

"Hey everybody! Did you see how easy that was for me? Imagine if I actually cared? Have a nice evening, all! See you in Eugene!"

Contract probably includes bonuses for US titles. Probably saw how weak the field was so did the quick flight to Spokane for a quick payday.

He has to run small, minor events, niche TV shows such as USA Indoors, WC, WXC, WIC, Diamond League, etc. to prepare for the Main Event, 2024 Paris Summer Olympic games.

This actually makes a lot of sense to me.

Because now he can add 2 to his national title count.

When a normie goes to his Wikipedia page and sees 2 more national titles, they won't differentiate between Indoors and Outdoors.

Paris Olys is only 52 months away.

28 Months Away

Pretty much all his races as a pro will be TT type races.

Good idea to get into a “race”

That being said, wouldn’t indoor WC be an even better opportunity

Hes afraid of running outside of the G League because he knows hed lose.

According to that thinking, why not add a couple of world titles? Isn't that even more impressive?

Because one is 90% and the other is 5%.

They must really offer sh!t incentive to run at worlds. Offer real money if you want people to treat it as a prestigious event. Otherwise, accept that it won't be a priority for athletes.

No healthy tennis player who qualifies for Wimbledon simply decides they don't feel like playing, because it is a lucrative and prestigious tournament. It's an embarrassment for our sport that our "world championship" doesn't have the same draw. Blame the people who run the show, not the athletes.

I watched the indoor coverage (replayed on the Olympic Channel) today. A bit cringey when they kept talking about people making it to Serbia when you realized many wouldn't bother making that trip.

There was a guy in early 1990s who skipped Wimbledon because he did not like the all-whtie dress code. And he told that to Bud Collins on NBC. ;)

He is not al wrong though. Hocker will not go to worlds because he knows he wont win, might not medal.

I imagine that was a 25k+ USD Weekend for Hocker between the winnings (5k per race?) and bonuses. Nice little house down payment.

He is wrong that Hocker is "G league" considering he got 6th at the Olympics.

Averaging all-star numbers. Will be inducted into the LRC hall of fame soon at this rate.