This is obviously a very disappointing result for the Irish 5,000m and 10,000m record holder. In his previous Marathon in Boston last April, he had to pull out as well.
In a previous interview in October, Cragg had said that he was targetting a sub 2:10 Marathon over the winter. For the moment though, he still has to prove that he can make the transition to the longer distance.
Its disappointing bit well done to Yuki Kawauchi on finishing 3rd. The self coached/trained office worker beating the pros.
ReplyDeleteGood writeup on the race here http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com/2011/12/ndambiri-with-win-kawauchi-with-wonder.html
more old talk from alister. still haven't forgiven him for his outburst in the 2008 olympics against jerry kiernan eamon coghlan and sonia o sullivan.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, knock the guy when he's down, ite seems that is what we are best at. Comment #2 just highlights the lack of empathy that people have with our top athletes. It shows a total lack of appreciation of the level of competition that they operate at and the pressures that come with that. It is a fair comment that Cragg has not fulfilled his potential in the sport but he keeps coming back to try again and to be competitive at the top level. That is to be admired just as much in such a difficult sport. So in the unlikely event that he reads this blog(no offence John), Alistair, keep the head up, get back on the horse and try again.
ReplyDeletewouldn't know about the lack of empathy- these guys are full time irish sponsored runners. maybe they should start justifying their money and stop moaning all the time and making excuses. some of the stuff they come out with is a bit rich at times. try being a ordinary joe paying paye and prsi
ReplyDeleteIt is useful to have all the facts before laying into these guys. Cragg received €12,000 in 2010 from the Sports Council of Ireland. I'd say there aren't too many "ordinary Joe's" performing at the top of their area of expertise earning such a paltry sum. It is too much of a cliche to say typical Irish slagging off their own but that is what's happening here, again! Begrudgery is alive and well!
ReplyDeleteThe comments above (No 2 and No 5) make me embarrassed to be a runner. The armchair experts. Any sports person In any sport who gets to the level of Cragg should be admired as huge sacrifices are made. Criticizing him says far more about the idiots making the comments than it does about the athlete.
ReplyDeletea sub 2.10 should be well acheivable fro a top class runner. we were able to do it in the 1980's. comments 2 and 5 are harsh but reflect the public perception
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