Craig Virgin craved attention... won two World XC Titles
That's been the problem with Americans over the last decade. They were happy to be the best American while being nothing in the World.
The best runners are selfish - ask their wives and kids... the kimbia guys go to 3-month training camps away from their families. Oprah would have a slaughter-fest with them.
My advice to Americans:
- Be selfish, do everything you can do in this sport to be the best you can be
- Believe that you are the best - don't be afraid of somebody (like the Africans) because they are different. They want you to be afraid, especially when you shouldn't be (see Cabada;s comments after breaking the US 25k record and winning the Grand Rapids race over world class Kenyans)
- Get yourself ready. Sorry txgirl, there is no sense in running the trials unless you can make the team (unless your goal is just to run for the experience.) This ain't middle school track.
He's got it right (and I think he gets this from Simmons), don't hope that you can squeeze by or hope that others will falter. Focus on you. Get strong and get tough and know that you can crush people even before you try.
You've seen it in Cabada. You've seen it in Hall. This is a new attitude and all you "run the trials for fun's sake" are lame...
But I'll give you a purple ribbon, anyway, just for trying and participating in the discussion. You're the best! (insert Special Olympic hug here....)