El Keniano wrote:
After Kenya's performance at the Olympics in 1968, they said it was altitude. Then they said it was genetics. Then an East German/Russian style systematic doping programme (if only the Kenyan government cared enough about sports to afford, let alone run, such a complex system). Now it's down to poverty, never mind the World Bank doesn't even consider Kenya "poor" per se.
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/Who-else-in-Africa-is-a-middle-income-nation-/539548-2471258-639yqt/index.htmlAnyway, Julien says he's almost more at home in Iten than Geneva, which I thought odd.
Probably the relaxed rural lifestyle is appealing to him and more comfortable, in its own way. I’m sure life is more hustle and bustle in Geneva.
You are right, the running culture in Iten deserves more credit. Outsiders tend to reduce the Kenyan success down to genetics, altitude, doping, ideal moderate temps year round, but give little credit to the culture and atmosphere. It took a few successful Mazungos to convince outsiders that the running culture plays a major role in the success of Kenyans distance runners.
Brace yourselves, the invasion of white runners in Iten could be coming.