Mbarak Hussein's Performance

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16 years ago 08/25/2007 1:24am EDT

I do not wish to take anything away from Mbarak Hussein's performance today. He led the U.S. team with an honorable performance under unfavorable weather conditions. However, does anyone else scratch their head when they contemplate the fact that a 42-year old expatriated Kenyan is the best (granted most will argue second-tier, since the contenders are awaiting the Beijing trials) we as a country can muster for the 2007 World Championships. I was born in the same year as Mbarak, and I would hope that at least one second-tier guy was born in this country over the last 22 or so years who could have bettered his 2:23:04 performance, even under those weather conditions.

16 years ago 08/25/2007 1:48am EDT

re: terps

Your third sentence should have a question mark. My answer is "No, I don't."

"[T]he last 22 years or so"?

I think it's pretty impressive that the U.S. had Mbarak and Cabada there. They're both legitimate top-ten guys at the trials, and both capable of 2:12 or thereabouts these days under the right conditions.

Although the depth of American marathoning isn't what it used to be, I'm not bothered by the U.S. performances in this particular race.

16 years ago 08/25/2007 2:06am EDT

re: terps

No, because everyone who is really good has the first Saturday in November in mind.

16 years ago 08/25/2007 2:37am EDT

re: terps

No. Time is irrelevant, to think along the lines of 2:23 is meaningless. Perhaps, if you wish to debate this point, you could ask if 21st, 23rd and 32nd positions are "acceptable". So as I understand it, you're asking if it's a poor showing that our 2nd tier guys came 4th in the team, behind traditional marathon powerhouses like Japan and Kenya.

I don't think this is a poor showing, but if you do, then how do you propose to improve the "depth"? High quality training groups already exist in a number of places like Michigan, Arizona, California, and several others. I think the US is well on its way to improving the depth of its runners, a 4th place finish by our "2nd tier" would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Let's give the guys some credit, they trained hard and surprised a couple of people today, at least in the team event. Whatever you think, you surely have to agree that where we are today is much better than several years ago, and that's good news. I see a lot to be optimistic about.

And let's not forget what our "1st tier" accomplished last Olympics - medal in both womens and mens marathons. That's pretty hard for any country to beat.

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