The news cycle these days is a rather fascinating animal. Big stories break on Twitter. Next, the scramble, during which reports - many half-baked - are filed as quickly as possible. Mistakes, of course, are made. Theories, of course, are posited and rapidly discredited. Finally, though, something sticks. The truth - or at least a very compelling story - emerges.
With the case of Sammy Wanjiru, the Kenyan marathon champion who died at 24 from a fall from his balcony, we probably never will get that dose of truth before the shock wears off and we move on to something else.
To that end, I think Running Times senior editor Scott Douglas' recent blog post, "Wanjiru: We're Never Going to Know What Happened," is spot on.
2 comments:
In most situations, Scott Douglas could punch me in the face and I'd agree with him for doing so, that's the kind of credibility he has.
Sammy W had been a troubled soul for a long time or at least it appears this way. In so many cases too much fame and fortune combined with immaturity breeds trouble. His was a life no different from the rags to riches NBA star who suddenly gets wealthy from his athletic prowess. Its a terrible thing that his troubled state got him killed. However many a famed athlete has befallen a similar fate in terms of getting in trouble with the law, women, having money problems, hanging out with the wrong people, etc.
It many cases, these athletes get into some trouble, dangle in limbo for a while and then come back to do great things. Just look at Ben Rothlesberger of the Pittsburg Steelers. Unfortunately we will never know with Sammy. How tragic.
Peace out
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