former long distance runner wrote:
But here's the thing that the Rupp fanboys struggle with:
Running (like life) is not perfect. You cannot expect 100% ideal conditions at all times. You have to be able to adapt, and that's what we see Rupp (although probably more Salazar) struggle with. When there are adverse conditions, he folds, or doesn't even show up.
Of course he's had great success, but I don't think of him as a legend. He has a resume about a mile long, but he just doesn't have those iconic moments that define a runner's career. Think Viren's fall/recovery at Montreal.
You don't get to be a legend by playing it safe. You have to take risks. Even Rupp's greatest triumph at the Olympics was a very conservative effort.
And the Rupp critics/haters can't even give him props for earning a silver medal in the Olympics. There's always a catch. It's unbelievable. Not the Olympics, but remember Rupp losing a shoe at NCAAs, stopping to put it on, and then winning the race. That was an "iconic" moment. His DMR at indoor nationals... "iconic." Prior to Rupp, who was the last non-African to medal in the 10,000? That was an "iconic" moment. Outkicking Lagat at the Trials in the 5000 after Lagat briefly took the lead in the homestretch... "iconic."
With regards to adverse conditions and Rupp supposedly folding or not showing up, there are plenty of examples that indicate otherwise. For example, he doubled back in the 5000 at the Olympics after getting sick. He already had his medal, he could have just scratched. Last year at World's, he was obviously not in the fitness he was in '12. Again, he could have bagged the 5000, but he took his lumps. As others have pointed out, he races more than most, so there are going to be more opportunities for him to be criticized.
Funny thing is, I'm not even a Rupp "fanboy," but it's amazing the amount of sh*t he gets on letsrun.