A few points of order. People are making too big a deal of Teare's comments. And also wasn't the word "friend" used as well in close association of Jonathan Gault's name:) But I want to respond to your comments above.
I take offense you say we don't do running journalism. If we don't do running journalism then nobody does. One of the highlights of my year was seeing the NYTimes write "Letsrun.com, the influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running". Interpret it how you will.
I think you could be a journalist and never break news, but this whole thread is about a story we broke that an athlete wishes we didn't break.
If you think being the primary conduit of choice for anyone is journalism I think you're a bit misguided on what journalism is, but we talk to athletes all the time without other members of the media present if that's your definition of journalism. I loved talking to Frank Shorter for over 1.5 hours on the 50th anniversary of his 1972 gold two weeks ago. Last month we had the story of Chris Derrick's retirement. After Keira D'Amato broke the American record in the marathon we got her and Deena together for a joint podcast, that was one of my favorites this year. The pro coaching series we did as well was enjoyable this year.
Talking to athletes after the 5th Avenue Mile or before the London Marathon where other members of the media are present is still journalism.
Jonathan Gault does the best journalism on our site. Just look at some of his highlights here:
Where else are you going to read a story about the Olympic Marathon Trials host still not being selected?
But my biggest gripe is you think the major content we product at major championships is the "performative wrap-up show" we do. We added the recap shows primarily for our Supporters Club members and they have been received really well.
However, the major content we product at major championships is our articles - previews, recaps, and analysis of all the major action. This takes a lot of time and effort. It's one of reasons we're the last people to leave a Word Championship every night (we used to be the last but now we often go record the podcast and then write for hours after that). Listen to the TV broadcasts, talk to the TV broadcasters, you'll often here them citing our information. There are very few entities that cover distance running as a sport and we take doing that as almost as an obligation. Is Runners World previewing the Weltklasse final?
A lot of what journalists do is covering and analyzing events, putting things in perspective and holding people accountable. Those I think are our strengths.
Wejo's mini rant is over!