Umm... I will go with the other respondant to your post and say WTF? Its the media who decides which story they will go with, like in Canada we have heard more about Perdita Felicien than some of the athletes who are actualy at the games. While I understand the reasoning for this, I am sure Perdita doesn't appreciate taking away attention from the men and women who didn't suffer a injury and weren't able to compete.
As for PR, I am sure the last thing she wanted after that race was done was every camera focusing on her rather than the Romanian. I don't know about her, but when I have a terrible race I either want to kick stuff over, or curl up and die.. the worst us having to face your coaches, teamates and family and explain why you couldn't make it happen even if you have a valid reason, even if you blow your hamstring.
Letsrun forum always astounds me on how incredibly ignorant some people are. You would think that a board full of competitive runners would understand stuff like this, that runners arn't machines, that there is no such thing as a guaranteed win especially in the marathon, that running is extremily unforgiving sometimes. I am used to ignorant civilians, but fellow runners... its inconceivable.
Not to mention, Paula owes no one here anything, if even half the men on this board had her PB's they would think they were gods, so all of this is not much better than 12 year kids explaining how if they coached the Patriots they would never lose a game due to their awesome understanding of tactics. It's absurd.
Go Paula, I am sure your career isn't done yet.