MEB IS A TRUE CHAMPION
- By loramarie03
- 12 August, 2012
- 14 Comments
I TiVo’ed the men’s marathon this morning and cut myself from all forms of communication until I was able to watch the race a few hours later. I wasn’t even sure if I should call my mom because while she isn’t a running fan, I was nervous she would randomly let it slip.
Anyways, I thought it was a great race! Meb was a leader from the beginning, and while he dropped back a bit, he fought back to take 4th place. He had an amazing race and while it’s easy to be disappointed that you aren’t on the podium, a 4th place finish in the world is incredible, especially since nobody seems to recognize him for his talent.
The weather wasn’t the greatest, despite what the announcers wanted you to believe. Seriously, when are they going to learn that marathon weather is awesome when it’s ideal for the runners not the spectators? High humidity and I think the temperatures were in the high 70s… grossness. Not to mention the course, wow — some of those turns were insane! I can’t imagine running at a 5 minute pace and trying to navigate those turns.
Ryan Hall and Abdi Abdirahman seemed to drop out in succession of each other. After Abdi had such a strong start, I was a little surprised that he was quick to drop out. I guess they know their bodies best, and it was interesting because it seemed like most of the coverage of Meb was because he was the “only” American still competing. I think they should of focused more on how great of a runner he is, but hey, that’s just me.
Stephen Kiprotich had an amazing finish. I mean, how in the world do you outrun the Kenyans? He definitely showed the world how. And by the way, doesn’t Uganda have the best flag?
Totally love the chicken.
It was a fabulous race and I really hope that Meb isn’t overshadowed for his great finish because he didn’t get a medal. The marathon is a finicky race and you never know what surprises will come your race. He is a true champion and I hope Americans celebrate him as that!
What did you think about the men’s race? What was your favorite moment of the race?
Copyright © 2013 
One of my son's is a Ugandan citizen so this was THRILLING for us to see. We have the flag and display it proudly in our house. But unfortunately there are no chickens on it
It's a crested crane – Uganda's national bird – and is beautiful and abundant there. 
That’s amazing!! I know they said its been decades since Uganda won a gold medal, so Uganda has to be so excited!! Oops — sorry for the mistake! It is a gorgeous bird
Yes it had. My sons and I were rooting for at least one medal (any color would do).
I LOVE MEB!! He's my hero. I'm proud of him anyway
haha! I do love that flag though, so fun!
He's amazing!! Haha I agree, its so different than what you usually see!
Dang, we really need a DVR. I slept in and read about it when I woke up. It said that Hall felt something tight in his hamstring. I'm pretty surprised that he and Abdi dropped out. I understand being injured, injured (i.e. a broken leg), but other people from the US were not allowed to compete because those two guys were holding their spots. If I were someone who lost a spot to them, I would be really pissed.
Agreed, I feel so bad for Dathan Ritzenhein who came in 4th at Trials… the anguish and disappointment in his face was heartbreaking and it would have been great to see what he would (could) have done today. Nothing against Ryan because he is an elite and a competitor but it's interesting how there is always so much talk about him being the next great American athlete and again and again, there are others who come out on top.
Watching the race from the sidelines was AMAZING! Meb ran by my side of the loop 3 times (and then just on the other side of the barricades across from us where the feeding tables were another 3 times since it was 3 full loops). So inspiring! (I was wondering what the heck happened to Abdi and Ryan after the first loop!)
That is incredible!! I got to see him up close and personal at Trials and it is hard to describe what it feels like to be so close. I can't imagine what it's like at the Olympics!!! WOW!!
Awww, that was such a nice but sad article on Meb. He has made so many accomplishments in his running career. I slept through the marathon
but was surprised when I read both Ryan and Abdi dropped out early. Like you said, I guess they know their bodies best, but what a shocker during the Olympic marathon. I have not spoken with any Ugandan friends, but I was really excited to see they placed with gold and I'm sure they are psyched too.
Yes they have to be excited!! I would have slept through it if it wasn't for TiVo hahah
I completely agree with your assessment!!! I kept yelling at the commentators that weather in the 70s with 77% humidity is HORRIBLE marathon weather! And Meb is amazing…so happy that he was there representing Team USA!
I know!! I hate how the news always does that. "Oh 70s and sun? Perfect for a marathon!" NO NO NO. And then they were saying how bad the weather was for the women's marathon because it was drizzling… much better than humidity!!
[...] I was really obsessed with the Olympics and super excited about Meb’s finish. [...]