Galen Rupp – The Perfect Marathon Champion For America in The Year 2017
By LetsRun.com
October 9, 2017
Yesterday, Galen Rupp did something that no American-born male runner had done in 35 years – win the Chicago Marathon.
And as we try to process what it all means, the number one word that comes to mind is this – polarizing. Just as our country is currently totally polarized by the holder of the Oval Office, Rupp’s victory is polarizing within the US running community.
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Lots of people are totally ecstatic that Rupp has dented the African-born domination of the major marathons as they had gone a perfect 54-0 in the majors since the start of 2009. A shocking break to the norm that proves anyone with a dream has a chance.
Its a wonderfull thing @G_Rupp when one of our own homegrown Americans wins a #marathon in the USA. GOD BLESS AMERICA STAND FOR THE FLAG?? https://t.co/FequKaf5KQ
— Mike Murphree (@TweetenPete) October 9, 2017
GALEN RUPP!!! This man is a legend!!!! #ChicagoMarathon ???? @G_Rupp
— alden (@ASAPALDEN) October 8, 2017
Congrats to @G_Rupp – sweet reward for so many years of dedication
— Dr. Kim Barrett (@jphysiol_eic) October 8, 2017
At the same time, a lot of die-hard fans are apoplectic by the win, which they view as illegitimate and unfairly earned through some combination of illegal aid and superior resources. They can’t believe that a win which they view as a stain on their beloved sport is being celebrated fervently by many as an amazing accomplishment.
The least believable athlete in distance running, who shares pinnacle of suspicion with Farah, wins Chicago, in 2:09:19. #Icarus
— Ross Tucker (@Scienceofsport) October 8, 2017
The unwillingness from the media and commentators to talk about the REAL STORY around the 2 NOP performances is baffling #peds #FBI https://t.co/vHThKdX647
— Jesse Williams (@jesjamdub) October 8, 2017
And then there are others not sure what to make of it, amazed that they have to choose between two polarizing options – an upstart win for the ages or a historic victory, illegitimately earned.
This is one of those days when it sucks to be a running observer. You wanna be excited about what you saw, but it just feels slimy instead.
— Kevin Liao (@RunLiao) October 8, 2017
In a polarizing time, Rupp is the perfect American champion of a US marathon in 2017.
Talk about Rupp’s polarizing win on our fan forum:
- Rupp haters go home DEVASTATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- CONGRATULATIONS GALEN RUPP FOR WINNING YOUR FIRST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL RACE!
- Galen MF Rupp!
- Alberto Salazar at the top of the marathoning world: Galen wins Chicago, Hasay runs 2:20:57
- None of the elite runners are congratulating Rupp on twitter (and only a few are congratulating Hasay)
- How big of an asterisk should we put next to Rupp’s win? Own pacer, only 2 guys broke 2:10, USADA investigation
- 2:09?? Was that the Chicago marathon or the Flying Pig marathon?
Editors’ note. The article initially said that African born runners had won 53 straight majors, not 54.