[Mailbox Head]

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/7895518/World-record-holder-almost-certain-to-miss-Olympics?MSNHPHMA" target="_blank">http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/st...mpics?MSNHPHMA</a><br><br>
Looks like one of the favorites might not be running in Beijing this year. At first, I was kind of excited to read this since it'll give our runners a better chance, but the more I think about it, I'm kind of pissed. This should be a really strong field and an exciting race even if Haile doesn't run, but how much better will it be if he does?<br>
How could the IOC have overlooked the conditions there when they accepted China's bid for the Olympics. Elite runners shouldn't have to make the choice between competing in the Olympics or staying away for their health.

 

[Sisu]

That's too bad but it seems like a smart move on his part considering his asthma and allergies.

 

[Flounder]

I would agree that IOC didn't give a shit about the athletes health when they made this decision. Their best day would be a red alert day in LA.

 

[rugby]

It won't be the same without the best/favorite/world record holder.<br><br>
rugby

 

[canalrunner]

That would a shame but I don't blame him. Perhaps the right choice.<br><br>
What were the weather and pollution conditions in LA in 1984 for the marathon? Wonder if people would have accepted a ban on cars to reduce pollution.

 

[Coach Craig]

The air quality is an interesting added variable. In 1968 is was the altitude, and the US was one of the countries that did a lot of work to figure out how our athletes could handle it better. This time it is air quality, and already the USOC has been working on masks that an athlete can wear while running without constricting airflow. In theory it could be worn during competition, but that isn't likely for various reasons.<br><br>
Eugene is one of the worst allergy area in the country, so it will be interesting to see if that affects the trials. The trials will probably miss the worst of the allergy season, but is isn't unusual to see guys running with face masks on in April and May, although not in the race itself.<br><br>
China has promised to improve pollution in time for the games. There has been talk they will shut down factories and do a ban on cars just for the Olympics. LA in '84 really wasn't bad either for LA, or compared to China. A lot of people stayed of the roads during the '84 Olympics because they expected such bad traffic, and as a result the traffic was actually exceptionally light, and the smog not so bad.

 

[coachb]

I wouldn't be so quick to take Geb's manager's word for skipping out on the Olympic Marathon.<br>
Geb's dream for the Olympics was always for the 10,000 meters which he has won twice. Since that time Geb and his manager have done a real good job at marketing themselves to pull down some big dollars.<br>
The Olympic Marathon always seems to be run in extreme conditions and this time will be no different.<br>
The fastest runner has not won the Olympic Marathon in recent memory. I would be suprised if he wins gold if he runs it. He does not have a great record in the high profile Marathons stacked with competition.<br>
Truly I believe him to be the greatest distance runner in modern times but the Olympic Marathon has always proven to be unpredictable.

 

[PacerChris]

I would say he'd be on the short list of favorites were he to run, but not a slam dunk by any means. Too much can happen in 26.2 miles - I didn't think it was a given that Tergat was going to win in Athens just because he held the WR. Now Paula is a different story - she's head & shoulders above everyone else so she's a massive favorite, but I wouldn't bet my house on it because there's too many variables.<br><br>
I certainly hope he runs. I would also like to see him on a course other than London and Berlin (read: Boston, NYC, Chicago). Or I sure wish the London Marathon were broadcast in the US - I'm tired of having to wake up early and watch it on my computer!!<br><br>
Either way, he's unbelievable. The race would be amazing without him in it but even more so with his star power.

 

[RunningForT3]

For people in North America is hard to comprehend the levels of pollution in other countries. I'm originally from Europe and have traveled quite a lot... and can tell you that Beijing in its best day will not come even close to a bad day in LA. But I'm not sure whether it's politically correct to criticize China's environment or politics.

 

[crunningman]

So, if China says they are going to improve air quality in time for the games, does that mean after the games they let it go back to crap. Shouldn't this be something the Olympic heads took into consideration when giving them the bid. Someone obviously had their pockets filled deep. And that person is probably Rogge himself.<br><br>
Geb made the smartest decision. I wouldn't run either if I was at that level regardless. China gets away with way to much and the sad thing is "we" tolerate it.

 

[canalrunner]

So who do we blame: China or Walmart.<br><br>
Didn't know that about Eugene, Oregon. Strange that it is such a running hotbed. I suppose what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

 

[ForceD]

I've been wondering that too. I mean, how many years ago was China awarded these games and this is just now becoming an issue? And, a couple weeks ago I read another story about the U.S. team planning on taking a lot of their own food because of fear that the food supply in the athletes village can easily be compromised.<br><br>
Dan

 

[bcc594]

Dan,<br>
I read that same article. The fear was that athletes would eat something that had been pumped full of steroids, and then test positive. Apparently, the US Olympic Committee is bringing its own meat and other protein along with them in order to avoid that problem.<br><br>
I agree that it's too bad that Geb may miss the Olympics, but it's also understandable from his POV. Turns out Beijing might not have been the best choice afterall.<br><br>
Bradley

 

[RunningForT3]

Oh yes, they could eat the food that chinese athletes are eating <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Flounder]

To me there is a huge difference to air pollution (Posion) and altitude or allegents. I will leave the politics out. The difference in most races is the 1-2 % ability to process Oxygen to muscles and to clear lactic acid. I think it is negligent to put athletes in an environment where they could permenantly damage their lungs.<br><br>
If all it can do is irritate their lungs and effect performance - that would be a "poor" decision and not a negligent one.<br><br>
I would hate to see Geb,Ryan Hall or anyone representing their country making this kindof choice.<br><br>
Are we making too much out of it??? maybe

 

[bcc594]

True enough! Take a page from their swimmers playbook! Maybe they could take some fo the East Germans vitamins while they're at it!<img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[canalrunner]

Make a quick trip to Europe and go to the Tour de France and then hang out with the sprinters.