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At the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, where the top three book tickets to London, fourth is the loneliest place. Here’s my post-race interview with an emotional Dathan Ritzenhein:
He ran a new personal best of 2:09:55, breaking 2:10 for the first time and capping a remarkable comeback from a seemingly never-ending string of injuries. But silver linings don’t matter when you finish fourth at the Olympic Trials – and for Dathan Ritzenhein, the frustration of being hobbled yet again by leg cramps could mark the end of his marathon career.
“It’s the same thing that’s happened in other marathons,” Ritzenhein said after the race, struggling to contain his emotions. “Maybe I’m forcing it. Everybody wants me to be a marathoner. And I want to be a marathoner. But right now maybe it’s not in the cards.” […]
Read the whole interview here.
Do you know what cramped? The original article doesn’t go into details either.
If Ritz really eats what he says he does in Daily Dish in the February Runner’s World, it’s a wonder he doesn’t cramp with every move he makes, given the volume and intensity he works at. At least that was my reaction – eats very, very little – a slice of toast for breakfast? – and hardly any fruit and veg.
Timbo:
Dathan is the guy who wrote the Forward in the RUN book you gave me for my birthday. Interesting read..Thanks again! Check your Sunday sports page..he finished 4th in the Olympic time trials in H town sat morning. We watched him on TV running the race. very disappointed as only the top 3 make it.. He’s an awesome elite Olympic athlete. hope he makes it on the 10k team.
John