I think the guys who are going to go to Mombasa are probably some of the bravest guys amongst everyone who competed at US Nats XC.
They are going into it probably knowing they will get eaten alive by the competition, nevermind the diseases, etc... that the CU alums (I never heard Team Bekele bitching about it) claim is detrimental to their upcoming season.
Tell me guys, what is the difference between Ethiopian elite and American Elite when it comes to major championships (besides the obvious things)?
One word: "We." Ethiopians speak in these terms, Americans don't. Someone notorious for this was Khalid K. Absolutely no where during major championships but always won or did well at the big money road races.
How are they helping the sport with such actions? It seems to me they are taking more from the sport and not giving back where it matters.