Funeral services are being held as I write this for marathoner Ryan Shay (May 4, 1979 — November 3, 2007). It seems strange to reflect that someone so close to the top of a too-short running career was born just a few months before I began running. Among other things, it makes me reflect on how blessed I am to still be doing it.
This article on Shay in today’s Detroit Free Press–an account of how he and his wife Alicia Craig met and married–is a must-read. Warning: have Kleenex at the ready. Emphasis added:
Since the engagement ring hadn’t arrived, Ryan had a formidable backup. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his Notre Dame class ring, and slid it onto her finger. They were married July 7 [2007] in Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The last time Alicia saw her husband alive was in Central Park, 5 miles into the Olympic trials race. Ryan was easy to spot — he wore red running gloves.
A half-mile later, he collapsed and died.
“Everyone is having such a difficult time trying to know why this would happen,” Alicia said, fighting tears. “God blessed my life with an amazing man. I want people to know that their prayers are effective. I can feel the Lord strengthening me.
“Even this morning, laying in bed, I didn’t know how I could move to make it through another day. But God is good. He’s helping me every step of the way.”
Frankie – all possible; none relevant–at least not today… meaning that I’m sticking with “innocent until PROVEN guilty” and praying for Ryan’s family.
That said, some may be able to cite the reference wherein seventy percent of Olympic hopefuls, when given the hypothetical choice of something that would assure them an Olympic gold medal but also ensure that they would be dead in five years said they would do it. Immortality projects indeed…
By: ultraguy on November 12, 2007
at 1:43 pm
What about the blood doping info???
Did he use cow blood spinners like Nike Lance dis in 2000? (synthetic hemoglobins)
Or did he combine RSR-13, EPO and a human blood transfusion for a 2005 Ivan Basso result?
Stomach flu or death is commonplace when your meds get messed up.
eg Marco Pantani, dead at age 34, last man to win a TDF not named Lance.
By: Frankie on November 12, 2007
at 12:16 pm