With regard to American distance running, the question which needs to be asked is whether the U.S. system is creating the right environment for Americans, either natural born or naturalized, to succeed on the world scene. The U.S. has been fortunate lately to have great success amongst its natural-born citizens like Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein, but Meb’s victory at New York is also a victory for the U.S. system. You see, genetics play a large part in success of an athlete but are not the complete puzzle. Training, attitude, and coaching make up far larger portions than many give them credit.
And as Meb’s victory came long after he had moved to America, became a citizen, and then lived and trained with an American system, I say the future is very bright indeed for American distance running.
And Mr. Keflezighi can remain standing.
Dane Rauschenberg is the author of See Dane Run, which recounts his 2006 feat of running an official marathon every weekend of the year in a different North American city. Running Matters is his weekly blog for Blue Ridge Outdoors.
