“And if I'm honest, the broadcast was cringe. More infomercial than serious breakdown of an attempt. Would have loved more depth and analysis versus the fluff we got. I understand why: It's one big Nike commercial. They needed the return. But the gravitas of an effort like this from Kipyegon deserves serious coverage.”
It was REALLY cringe. I was actually surprised to see Carl Lewis there. I can’t imagine that some of the actual track people there sincerely thought that she had a chance.
But, I think the most cringe-worthy moment for me was Ego Nwodim with the fans. Her quote “It's electric down here. It's gotta be the first time in history a track event feels like a Beyonce concert!" just suggested she has never been to a good track meet. It felt like a real insult to track fans - your sport is boring, but for once, it’s actually exciting - because history is about to be made.
I thought this whole thing would feel corporate, but it was worse than I thought. It felt like somebody so talented and hard working was being used to push a new fancy sports bra.
Carl was there because he has a Nike contract and is a “name.” I like Carl. He’s a good guy….but out of his depth of knowledge here by far…
Yes, it seemed like a pre-race show of hype, marketing, and nonsense from people who don’t know running. And even for those who do (DJT) they were reduced to anecdotes for a casual viewer.
The event needed serious analysis. Not let’s dumb this down for some rando watching.
With running races, one could have the courage to try to break a barrier whenver. Usain Bolt could have said “Today, I am going to try to break 9.0 seconds.” But, his preivous performances wouldn’t have indicated he could.
They really made it seem like it was a big deal that she was going to attempt this world record - as if today she was going to give substantially more effort than she did when she ran her other world records. The entire messaging felt like it was geared towards somebody who knew nothing about track… but perhaps would be inspired to buy a new sports bra.
In doing so, I think it all disrespected Kipyegon. Instead of being seen running away from the field, all by herself for an entire lap, running to a 4:07 victory, she looked like somebody struggling to keep up with a bunch of guys while running a 4:06. I feel like those optics undermined their message of female athletes breaking barriers.
I can’t say enough - she’s amazing and deserves so much respect. But, I feel like Nike used her, and insulted track fans in the process.
“And if I'm honest, the broadcast was cringe. More infomercial than serious breakdown of an attempt. Would have loved more depth and analysis versus the fluff we got. I understand why: It's one big Nike commercial. They needed the return. But the gravitas of an effort like this from Kipyegon deserves serious coverage.”
It was REALLY cringe. I was actually surprised to see Carl Lewis there. I can’t imagine that some of the actual track people there sincerely thought that she had a chance.
But, I think the most cringe-worthy moment for me was Ego Nwodim with the fans. Her quote “It's electric down here. It's gotta be the first time in history a track event feels like a Beyonce concert!" just suggested she has never been to a good track meet. It felt like a real insult to track fans - your sport is boring, but for once, it’s actually exciting - because history is about to be made.
I thought this whole thing would feel corporate, but it was worse than I thought. It felt like somebody so talented and hard working was being used to push a new fancy sports bra.
Yep. Agreed.
Carl was there because he has a Nike contract and is a “name.” I like Carl. He’s a good guy….but out of his depth of knowledge here by far…
Yes, it seemed like a pre-race show of hype, marketing, and nonsense from people who don’t know running. And even for those who do (DJT) they were reduced to anecdotes for a casual viewer.
The event needed serious analysis. Not let’s dumb this down for some rando watching.
It felt more like a coronation.
With running races, one could have the courage to try to break a barrier whenver. Usain Bolt could have said “Today, I am going to try to break 9.0 seconds.” But, his preivous performances wouldn’t have indicated he could.
They really made it seem like it was a big deal that she was going to attempt this world record - as if today she was going to give substantially more effort than she did when she ran her other world records. The entire messaging felt like it was geared towards somebody who knew nothing about track… but perhaps would be inspired to buy a new sports bra.
In doing so, I think it all disrespected Kipyegon. Instead of being seen running away from the field, all by herself for an entire lap, running to a 4:07 victory, she looked like somebody struggling to keep up with a bunch of guys while running a 4:06. I feel like those optics undermined their message of female athletes breaking barriers.
I can’t say enough - she’s amazing and deserves so much respect. But, I feel like Nike used her, and insulted track fans in the process.
Man, this is a fascinating breakdown
This is a great breakdown for a sports fan who doesn’t know track. Someone like me! Thanks
Thanks for breaking this down for us, Steve!
We were talking about it on the Zoom today.
Got to ask, what’s your source for the ‘moving time’ info?
Reported in L’equip, the French sporting site.
appreciate it.