I understand the monetary and contractual reasons you would want to start the race so you can actually claim “Olympian,” but it really is such a shame to have McClain fly to Paris and doesn’t get to line up. Sounds like O’Keeffe DNF’d.
Unbelievable! And conversely the men’s marathon winner was a late substitute. I was frustrated when Des pulled this and to see it even more explicitly yet again is infuriating.
I understand the monetary and contractual reasons you would want to start the race so you can actually claim “Olympian,” but it really is such a shame to have McClain fly to Paris and doesn’t get to line up. Sounds like O’Keeffe DNF’d.
This is certainly going to follow her more than being an Olympic Marathon participant
wow, what an awful decision. 100m into the race and she's jogging DFL. Should have subbed in the alternate! She's in Paris!!
Yes, didn’t Jess McClain fly to Paris last minute? What was the point if O’Keefe is going to jog it?
wow, I would assume they're friends too as both are Stanford alums :(. Finishing 4th at the marathon and 10k, finally getting a sponsorship, and then flying out to Paris to watch your friend refuse to give up her spot to just jog has got to be the wildest emotional rollercoaster ever for Jess. I know people are saying Fiona might need to start for contract bonuses, but that really doesn't seem worth it. Also surely Jess/Brooks could work it out if money is the issue?
Yup, she’s there and she was ready. What a shame. Jess put in the work quietly with no one watching and was ready to represent her country. You’ll get em next time, Jess.
I understand the monetary and contractual reasons you would want to start the race so you can actually claim “Olympian,” but it really is such a shame to have McClain fly to Paris and doesn’t get to line up. Sounds like O’Keeffe DNF’d.
This is certainly going to follow her more than being an Olympic Marathon participant
I don’t understand why the national team let them start - so they’re saying an individual athletes contract and future earnings by being an Olympian with a terrible performance is more important than having a fit and healthy team who can “perform” on the day?
Yes, didn’t Jess McClain fly to Paris last minute? What was the point if O’Keefe is going to jog it?
wow, I would assume they're friends too as both are Stanford alums :(. Finishing 4th at the marathon and 10k, finally getting a sponsorship, and then flying out to Paris to watch your friend refuse to give up her spot to just jog has got to be the wildest emotional rollercoaster ever for Jess. I know people are saying Fiona might need to start for contract bonuses, but that really doesn't seem worth it. Also surely Jess/Brooks could work it out if money is the issue?
I forgot Brooks probably would have just paid OKeeffe's contract bonus to let a Brooks runner in.