Rupp gives standoffish interview after 3k season opener

haha who was that guy interviewing him. Rupp definitely hates the dude -- "it's a race, you always run to win"

Well... that guy was asking very pointed questions, so I could see why Galen was ticked off. He began his question with demeaning Rupp's performance (comparing it to his 7:30), and then proceeded to inquire about Mo's training (when it's pretty common knowledge Rupp and Farah are not training together right now). Very annoying interviewer, but not to the extent to which Galen should've 'called him out'. Calling him out would create unnecessary controversy and likely make Rupp look immature.

I love how you just illustrated this false anecdote about Galen just to conclude at your preconceived generalization about him, that "people don't like [him]". I certainly am a fan of Galen, pal, and chances are I'm not alone.

megaranation wrote:

I love how you just illustrated this false anecdote about Galen just to conclude at your preconceived generalization about him, that "people don't like [him]". I certainly am a fan of Galen, pal, and chances are I'm not alone.

Or, is your preconceived generalization that most people who have watched and heard Rupp like him? You are guilty doing the same thing you are criticizing.

This what you should know:

View 1. I certainly am a fan of Galen, pal, and chances are I'm not alone.

View 2. I certainly am NOT a fan of Galen, pal, and chances are I'm not alone.

The above view points are both correct.

Did anyone else get creepy chills when Alberto appeared in the background?

Man, Rupp and the NOP do absolutely nothing to be likable. How on earth do they have so much support from Nike?

I agree. Salazar hovering was a little creepy. But I think it boils down to this:

Rupp basically ran a workout and Salazar wanted him to finish up, cooldown, etc. As a result, Salazar was hovering, and Rupp started giving direct answers because he probably knew Salazar wanted him to finish up.

I don't think we need to read too far into Rupp's demeanor.

You should give him a break guys - he could go on to be the best ever long distance runner in your country. Give him some love!

Being the best ever does not qualify someone to be loved by everyone. Charisma and personality are hard requirements.

Galen $#% wrote:

Did anyone else get creepy chills when Alberto appeared in the background?

Man, Rupp and the NOP do absolutely nothing to be likable. How on earth do they have so much support from Nike?

Yeah, Rupp seems like a real uppity tool. Add that to his sordid past; and I just can't bring myself to cheer for him, no matter how fast he runs.

I've followed track since 1972 (my first track meet was Pre winning a double at NCAAs) and the two least likable athletes I've encountered in real life are Galen and Alberto. There is a weird, conceited yet awkward vibe around them. It is what it is but it sucks to not want to root for the top American in a sport I love so much. It does make me appreciate more normal people like RItz, Meb, True, Rowburry, etc..

Interviewer probably won a letsrun T and had it on.

That guy's questions were good, but Rupp is extremely defensive and secretive. Why not mention a workout time? Of course, he is not going to be all that open and expansive when he has been ridiculed and demeaned his entire career, even going back to high school, and seen some very serious questions in the past year especially about doping. They are circling the wagons.

[quote]jjjjjj wrote:

Of course, he is not going to be all that open and expansive when he has been ridiculed and demeaned his entire career, even going back to high school, and seen some very serious questions in the past year/quote]

Because he's always been an a&&hole, and continues to be one.

The source of the problem is Salazar. He has always been confrontational. At UofO his constant verbal abuse lead to star-runner Jeff Nelson (HS 2-mile record holder) quitting the team and giving up a promising running career.

Rupp started with Salazar at age 16 and Rupp claims he looks up to him, and thinks of him as a second father. Well, Rupp is doing what most long-term couples do. One starts to parrot the other. It wouldn't surprise me at all of the plan has always been for Rupp to take over NOP while allowing retired Salazar to keep a heavy influence.

"How can we get running popular?" Probably not by talking trash about the best runner in the nation all the time

I'm certain the guy in question is Dave Ross, aka Nikeman. His questions were excellent, knowledgeable, and respectfully asked. Clearly, though, Rupp does not like him!

... ... wrote:

"How can we get running popular?" Probably not by talking trash about the best runner in the nation all the time

Wrong, you get it by having a great runner who is charismatic. Not a runner has very little personality.

... ... wrote:

"How can we get running popular?" Probably not by talking trash about the best runner in the nation all the time

People trash talk Cam Newton all the time and the NFL is doing just fine.

If you give him the benefit of the doubt that he actually has played by the rule book and yet has over a decade of hate and criticism by certain folks and this website for over a decade, all the while training his butt off and overcoming almost everything people said he couldn't or wouldn't do, could you understand how he might develop a chip on his shoulder? Could you put yourself in his shoes and speculate how you might react?

I'm pretty certain if BOb Kennedys time was during the Internet age and he was as dominant as he was and running for Nike a bunch of speculation would arise about him, and the hate would begin to fester, and Bob would be no kinder than Rupp in his interviews. likely even more direct.

Montesquieu wrote:

I'm certain the guy in question is Dave Ross, aka Nikeman. His questions were excellent, knowledgeable, and respectfully asked. Clearly, though, Rupp does not like him!

I don't know anything about Dave Ross, but I agree that the questions were good and well-asked. I was puzzled that Rupp's answers were so unenthused. He seemed happier talking to the other interviewer, so maybe he really doesn't like this Ross guy.