Samuel Wanjiru: wunderkid tears up the track in Japan soon to move to marathon

To all the letsrun posters who may be offended by this post, I apologize to them. The fact is after reading "ugotit" thread there are quite a few of you who believe and stated that despite ugotit's intent to belittle Samuel Wanjiru. There are still many posters who do show the disdain for Africans and their accomplishments especially the juniors. Kudos for those who have the courage to post their opinion and stand up to the many posters who keep using the same tired excuses, "that all African juniors are older than they claim." I admit it does happen but gives us other optimistic posters a break if you don't believe it quit reading distance running.

Have you ever heard the term: "One bad apple spoils the whole damn bunch"?

I think Samuel's results are encouraging to say the least. I believe that nothing helps the sport more than a continual influx of young talent and energy.

The disarray, bitterness, and poor coaching that defines much of American distance running has got to go. There is no excuse for the hamstrung performances of American runners, gimmicky approaches like the Nike Oregon Project have done VERY little, egotistical self promoters masquerading as some college and high school coaches have done even less.

I live in Portland and when I hear Nike athletes make broad accusations about Africans cheating, I wonder how they reconcile that with their own use of "supplements" handed out by Salazar, while they fiddle away the day on some apparatus or playing video games in their altitude house.

I watched Mike Mcgrath go from one of the most talented HS senoirs in the Nation to near obscurity in two years because of who knows what! Maybe Martin Smith, who I consider a great coach, could explain in more detail.

I am involved with a local Jr. Olympic team, and see first hand how naturally gifted and enthusiastic kids become obsessive and self destructive as they progress into HS. This is not just due to coaches, parents can be just as bad

I dont believe for a second that we cant produce runners that can truly compete on EVERY level. Running should not be treated as a dog and pony (Salazar and Rupp) show, no offence to Rupp ( I wish him all the best), but he has no chance unless he takes some responsibility for his own future.

There is no crystal ball, but we should be able to learn from past mistakes.

There is no reason in the world that Salazar should not be banned from coaching due to his own history with Balco etc, other coaches are just as bad, Salazar has just had the audacity to hang himself out as the ultimate poster child for disfunction (Runners World 9/05, meddling with U of O).

It is encouraging that young American runners like Jordan Hasay are doing so well, I sincerely hope that enough presence of mind exists to keep her free from Nike's meat hooks.

OK maybe no one knows for sure if Samuel Winjaru is legit, but there is a pretty clear paper trail that backs his performances. At this point I will take Samuel's performances at face value, way to go!

I hope this lad sticks ot the track. He is too young to undergo the rigours of the Marathon.

I assume your apology wasn't intended for me, but fear not, for I am not offended by our difference in opinion. There is no disputing that Samuel Wanjiru has repeatedly performed at an exceptional level... as many posters in the "BS" thread were quick to point out. There is, however, great reason to exercise caution when accepting that his accomplishment (or ments) are exclusively the result of hard work and talent. Nobody has ever run that fast for a half at his age (whatever it may be) and very few have ever run under an hour at any point in their lives. I remain highly suspicious of this individual and boldly suggest that he start running championship races under the jurisdiction of Track's governing bodies and prove me wrong. My offer to eat my sweaty running shorts if proven wrong stands (admittedly an easy promise while posting anonymously on an internet message board).

igotit

I certainly look forward to watching him develop if he is the real deal. Times like his half marathon when he is so young... he is either destined for greatness or an early end to his career. I'm not sure about his moving straight up to the marathon, I think I would rather see some more consistant results. But then I couldn't ever touch him in a race, so I don't really have a great viewpoint of it. I look forward to watching him run more.

Also, it isn't wunderkid, it is spelled "wunderkind"... its german.

I guess Samuel wasn't happy with the 1/2 marathon World Record he recently took from Haile Gebreslassie. He will attempt another 1/2 marathon record with an mindboggling 10000m spilt request!

http://www.iaaf.org/news/Kind=2/newsId=37970.html

27:30 10K split = 58:03 half marathon

WTF are you blathering on about?

"Samuel has also won numerous other x-country races and road races in 2004."

Are you on a first name basis with him or something? What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you feel the need to defend someone you don't even know? It's not like he considers you his friend, or even cares about you at all, or even knows you exist. So don't act like you're his pal and you're sticking up for him because you don't even know him. Why are we supposed to praise someone from a different country? We're not allowed to have pride in our own country? We're not allowed to talk smack about runners from other countries?

Vipam, you're pathetic.

All indications are the kid is phenomenal. Maybe someday you'll grow up, put your silly nationalistic jingoistic pride away, resist bashing other runners because it somehow makes your life less dreary, and admire a world-class athlete for what he is.

Did I just get laid? I have no idea what you are saying...

Wanjiru again! 58:35 World Half Marathon Record

at The Hague

Saturday 17 March 2007

The Hague, The Netherlands - Samuel Wanjiru again set a World Record* in the Half Marathon, clocking 58:35 at the City-Pier-City Half Marathon in The Hague.

The 20-year-old Kenyan's victory at the 33rd running of this Dutch race bettered his own pending record of 58:53 set in Ras al Khaimah on 9 February this year.

After three kilometres, Wanjiru broke away from the field en route to his solo effort. Compatriot Solomon Bushendich finiished second in 1:00:13 equalling his personal best, with Francis Kiprop, another Kenyan, third in 1:00:17.

The women's race was won by Kenyan Hilda Kibet in 1:09:43.

thank you Vipam.

whether he's 20 or 40, to run that fast is amazing.

congratulations to Wanjiru, i hope he stays healthy and looking forward to see him run and win again and again.

I'm looking forward to seeing this kid's marathon debut second only to when Zersenay Tadesse steps up! Think it might be a damn good race between the two of them.

He requested (27:30) for the first 10km. Doesn't that sound blazing even for him? Samuel had to set out on his own after the first 3000m. Anyone know what the actually first 10km spilt?

Official splits:

13.40 - 27.27 - 41.40 - 55.31 - 58.35

Holy shit.

Samuel Wanjiru as a 20 year old already has amassed 4* sub 1 hour 1/2 marathons. He has two times faster than former world record holder and all-time great Haile Gebrsellasie's personal best and three times faster than Paul Tergats fastest 1/2 marathon.

*Samuel Wanjiru is the only runner to have 4 sub 1/2 marathons and he still have so many years ahead of him! Would love to see him (while both are so fit) go against Kenenisa Bekele in a 12km X-Country or 15km road race.

Vipam...its not so much that they dont have accurate BC's. Its that the countrys athletics is corrupt (whos isnt) and they cheat to get 25 year olds competing and winning in the Jr meets. And people lie about their ages to get noticed. Its been happening for years over there, and now the kenyans in Quitar are doing the same thing. Dont act like it isnt happening ALOT!

S.M might be legit. But he is hardly beyond questioning. Anyone who breaks...let alone crushes a WR these days is very questionable. Those are just the facts. Nothing against any country...as every country including us obviously have cheaters all over.