ThisIsFutile wrote:
So I'm pretty new to LetsRun (just started this summer), so can someone explain the origin of Rupp-hating? is it Magness' and Goucher's doping accusations? is it the fact that he runs for Nike? its it his character? Or are people just sick of him kicking so much butt in the 10k for so long?
We so don't deserve to have an athlete like Rupp represent us. We are the worst fan base I've ever seen of any sport. But if Rupp runs the marathon and is gracious enough to do it representing the USA, I'm going to cheer like I've never cheered before!!!!
Has anyone noticed his latest headshot on his IAAF page? Not sure how long that has been up, but he looks like a total tool in that picture, sorry ...
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/united-states/galen-rupp-196507To me it comes of as a calculated PR thing ... in the past many fans snickered about his goofy look and smile in pictures, so some Nike PR guy probably told him to try and look cool or hard (or something) for that picture ... and it comes off as bad.
The very close association with the "Evil Empire" Nike plays into to, I'm sure.
I do think partly it has to do with his look and his attitude (or perceived attitude anyway ... I don't follow him enough to know much about him) and the perception of him as coddled and over-entitled (Salazar as his own personal coach since HS, sleeping in an altitude tent in HS even, etc).
Doubtless he came off as suspicious to many after 2010/2011 or so, with his sudden new found speed and kick (around the same time Mo Farah went from B-level to world beater) and now with the SI/Propublica allegations, of course all that will only got stronger.
The Rupp-haters on here are ridiculous (and it's largely a trolling and inside joke thing, I think) I agree, but the fanboys are just as bad. Personally I view him with suspicion and I'm not a fan, but it's silly to see any and everything positive said about him shot down by some.
It's also silly to say "we don't deserve an athlete like Rupp". It's no different from any other sport ... you have fans being very harsh and overly critical of the big stars all the time (then also an element of mindless worshipers who seem them at demi-gods).