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Read other letters about this article
Edward McClelland's article posits an essential question — what has happened to American competitive long-distance running? — which he frustratingly then does not answer.
He seems to suggest that the United States no longer produces competitive world-class marathoners because of a general psychic weakness brought on by popularization of the sport. While this is an interesting (and extraordinary!) claim, it's not clear how or why this enervation has (supposedly) come to pass.
It's easy to imagine how if major league baseball, say, were adulterated by mass participation, the best guys out there wouldn't want to play anymore. But road racing doesn't work the same way. If you're in front, every minute that passes separates you even more from the ten thousand goofballs behind you. Vade retro!
So really, where are the great American marathoners who just don't compete anymore because Oprah has demoralized them? I just don't see it — though McClelland's original question is still a good one and I would love to hear it answered by someone with real insight into American running.
