Lack Of Olympic Introduction Fired Up Keflezighi

He was snubbed by announcers before the start of the marathon.

Ten Olympic runners were introduced to the crowd before the start of yesterday’s Olympic Marathon. Of over the 100 athletes taking part in the race, only one of them possessed an Olympic medal: Meb Keflezighi of the United States.

Was Keflezighi, who has also won the ING New York City, recognized before the race?

The answer was no.

Surprisingly, Keflezighi’s teammate, Ryan Hall, who doesn’t have a marathon major victory or an Olympic medal, was called out beforehand.

“To accomplish what I have accomplished, to be a silver medalist, to be a New York City Marathon winner, and not be introduced to the crowd made me very sad,” admitted Keflezighi while he held back tears. “This is the USA and we’re in an English-speaking country. To accomplish what I have accomplished…of the 109 runners here, none of them had a gold medal, a silver medal or a bronze medal. I have that. To not get introduced, shame on the IAAF on that.”

Keflezighi turned the negative experience into a positive and went on to finish fourth overall. Hall did not finish.

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