Bumbalough's lean at the tape

And comparing a workout to a prelim is not a good analogy.

He's asked about it here and says that he reacted to the cheering of the crowd (which, ironically, was probably celebrating Rupp's apparent victory). Totally understandable that he got caught up in the excitement.

My guess is that he wouldn't do it again, but maybe he would.

I would be be embarrassed too if I was running in the Olympic Trials, I mean really what's the point? So much better to be safe in front of a computer where I can get mad respect for all of my sharp commentary which will lead to fame and fortune! I'm going to get that DELL sponsorship! I'm the best on the net!

Les Myles wrote:

What was the point?

His point was that this was the only victory he ever could possible get over Galen and so he was going to dig down and get it, but in the finals when Galen closes in a 4:00 flat last mile Bum. will fade like a bum and be a non-factor

You don't quite see the lean, but here's a pic:

http://www.flotrack.org/photo/733526/photoalbum/446625#ad-image14

In touch with reality wrote:

Les Myles wrote:

What was the point?

His point was that this was the only victory he ever could possible get over Galen and so he was going to dig down and get it, but in the finals when Galen closes in a 4:00 flat last mile Bum. will fade like a bum and be a non-factor

You are not in touch with reality. That was not Bumbi's point. He is an elite athlete. He didn't win the race so he could fulfill a life long dream of beating Galen Rupp. He won because he is a competitor. It wouldn't matter if it was Rupp, Lagat, or Bekele for that matter. Real athletes, like Bumbi, respect their competition, but they don't fear them.

If Rupp was so concerned why didn't he lean too?

Bumbalough's lean was pretty pointless. If you are Rupp however, why do you care? If he wants to sprint ahead, let him and just come back and get in him in the finals. Rupp really looked like a child who didn't get his way.

anyone have a video of this?

Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning.

~ George S. Patton

For all those saying how "Bumbi raced Rupp" and it was just a prelim... what do you think Rupp was doing throwing down a 1:53 last 800? He was racing them and was out to embarass the field and cement himself as someone who is untouchable.

HE raced Bumbi by taking off. Bumbi stayed with him and made it clear that he is not scared of Rupp.

Whether or not he beats Galen in the final is inconsequential. The message was sent that I'm not going to give you something because of who you are.

Rupp could have hung with the pack until 300 to go and controlled the race from the front and held on to a 1 or 2 second win a la Lagat and Lomong. Instead he aimed to show his dominance in a prelim.

That is sketchier than what Bumbi was doing.

And if the goal was to replicate what he will need to do in the Olympics, well, someone in the Olympics will be with Rupp straight through to the line... so Bumbi helped the simulation. In the Olympics, Rupp won't be alone running a 1:53... he'll have company... just like he did last night.

I don't understand all of this disdain for Bumbi. It was Rupp's decision to race Bumbi in the prelim as much as Bumbi's decision to race Rupp.

And isn't it good practice to go for the lean when possible? Maybe Bumbi is so well trained that his lean is automatic whenever there is a close finish.

I don't think Bumbi did anything wrong. People need to get off his case. I'm hoping he recovers and can be in the mix with Rupp, Lagat, and Lomong on Thursday. How awesome will that be to watch!

Bottom line, Rupp acted like a tool by not shaking his hand, and I was ecstatic about Rupps run. I didn't understand why he ran so fast in a prelim, but he sure did look smooth doing it. Rupp should learn to be a better sportsman. These childish actions really detract from his appeal to fans of the sport.

dumbest thread

you're an idiot.. and a n00b... hanging around until 300 is a risky bet, Rupp was the class of the field, and didnt have to try to break them with 800 to go... he played it safe and didnt risk getting tripped up when things got crazy with 300 to go... he is smart,

And laget did the same thing you moron... he just didnt break every one

Video of race anywhere?

I like how some idiots are saying Rupp is the classless one.

What is classless is bushleaguing a guy in the last 20m of a PRELIM when you are both way out in front...then LUNGING pathetically through the line to get the 'win'.

He expected to shake Rupp's hand and get a 'congrats' from him?

I hope he enjoys the 'Fck you' he is going to get plastered onto his face when Rupp rips him apart in the actual race. Maybe Rupp will give him a handshake then.

Yup, wrote:

Why would bumby show his cards now? He could have surprised people In a slow final Now Rupp and Lomong are more likely to take it out hard to lose Bumby?

This site cares way too much about handshakes. Remember how pissed people got when a rupp shook Solinsky's hand too briefly after the AR?

andrew's interview says he keeps up with lomong on strenth workouts. they are teammates i believe. having a faster race is probably what bumbalough would like to make it a strength thing. i doubt he is hoping to go up against 1500 olympian lomong in a kicker's race. he pretty clearly said he had about as much strength in the interview

100% agree

Fair Is Fair put it best.

There are really 2 separate discussions here.

1) Whether Bumbi should have leaned

2) Rupp's reaction to the fact he didn't get his way.