Subject: It's a combination of a lot of different reasons.
Posted by: 06 Hoo on Mon Aug 25 2008 11:51:09 PM
Message:
Part of it is that American distance runners due to diet and genetics
seem to be a bit larger than their East African competitors. This may
not be a major hindrance at 800 and 1500 meters, but the 5000 and up
are ruled by individuals with the best running economy. In other
words they have relatively long legs for their height but have very
thin upper bodies which allow them to spend less energy per stride.
Another part is that the nature of distance running is a hard match
with the lifestyle of typical Americans. These days, to be
competitive in long distance running most elites put in 100 miles a
week or much more in mileage. In other words, to be competitive you
have to become a virtual hermit who eats and sleeps running as life.
To quote a well known running novel- "There is no secret; just the
Trial of Miles, Miles of Trials". Not a lot of Americans these days
are willing to put in that sort of commitment.
Also, the very few Americans in recent years that have had the talent
to compete at an elite level have generally lacked the toughness
needed to win a major international championship. We've also had our
share of head cases. The only guy recently that doesn't qualify under
one of these was Bob Kennedy during the 90s, but he lacked the elite
closing speed needed to win international 5000s.
USATF's qualification process is also a major issue as far as distance
runners go. Distance running is all about peaking at the right time.
The trials happen early enough in the summer that it is impossible to
retain a critical peak all the way thru the olympics/world
championships. There is no reason why we cant have the trials much
closer to worlds. It is absolutely ridiculous that we left the 8th
fastest miler in history and American record holder (despite his
issues this year) at home because he was beaten by someone much less
talented who was still peaking for the end of his college season. I
wonder which guy stood a better chance of actually doing something @
the games.
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