It used to be the greatest sport. It would evoke Chariots of Fire type feelings. It really in many ways was on a higher level than other sports. It was a purest, toughest and straight forward competition between highly trained, talented and amazingly competitive athletes pushing their bodies to the max. No judges, no teammates, no lucky ball bounces, just an honest individual test of true ability.
Yes, todays athletes still do that but there is a huge cloud over their performances. Which athletes pushed the illegal drugs the farthest to get the greatest edge. Did the training and talent and determination give them that edge to win or did they get the edge from pushing the drug envelope a bit farther than others.
The great of the past Zatopek, Gebrselaisse, the great competitions Coe/Ovett all seemed on a higher purer level than runners today.
They represented a purity of spirit and determination. They represented more than just great athletes, they represented man's ability to reach higher levels through sheer determination and grit.
I miss it.