tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post6109226421517240117..comments2024-02-11T00:54:20.373-08:00Comments on A Trail Runner's Blog: Yiannis Kouros - Ultrarunning's Penultimate Elite/Elitist(?)Scott Dunlaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-26501623046671472262015-12-25T12:30:48.770-08:002015-12-25T12:30:48.770-08:00Let me begin by saying, I have corresponded from t...Let me begin by saying, I have corresponded from time to time with Yiannis. He has always been kind and considerate. Secondly, and this is very important, Yiannis' understanding and comprehension of English is really limited,in fact it's poor.Here's what I think--Yiannis is a human being, like all of us, a flawed human being. Do you know what events in his life have brought him to the place he is now? I see scripture quotes within this article, how about a little understanding and compassion for a runner who is the greatest of all-time? Could it be at near 60, Yiannis can no longer deal with what he clearly sees as his diminishes performances and is not dealing with it as you would expect someone to? As far as demands, could it be that his handler(manager)is writing and calling the shots? And finally, is Yiannis so concerned with maintaining what he views as the purity of the sport that he lashes out at those he feels are publicly corrupting it with "event"? Cut him some slack people the man deserves it.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11551251480915260826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-73322077647999987922012-06-26T23:49:30.544-07:002012-06-26T23:49:30.544-07:00I would not compare them at all , they are differe...I would not compare them at all , they are different with very different approach to running we can learn very much from both of them.<br />Ultrarunning is not about world records they are just product of self-realiastion, it is about living in the state of running.<br />In terms of performances numbers speak for them selves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-84765920064392692602010-05-15T16:11:16.793-07:002010-05-15T16:11:16.793-07:00I think YK manager's comments have been warped...I think YK manager's comments have been warped a bit in the english translation, and are not as harsh as they might appear in print. I dont see them as elitist, but rather calling out DK to really put it on the line. What's wrong with that ? Chalk me up to one of the people who is tired of seeing DK usurp all the publicity in ultrarunning from the true champions. As far as the legions of people who have started ultra because of DK, I prefer the days when races were easy to get into, and the people out there were self-motivated, not following the latest athletic fad from a book.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13856673718740551807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-23338264431767242522010-01-26T07:57:55.236-08:002010-01-26T07:57:55.236-08:00Yiannis is one of the most underrated Ultra athlet...Yiannis is one of the most underrated Ultra athletes in the world. That is, since he is the most accomplished and elite Ultra Runner with the most World Records that probably will not be broken for centuries, he should be recognized and just as popular or familiar to the masses as Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps, and other at the top of their fields are.<br /> As far as Karnazes, Kouros is probably furious that some one comes along touting themselves as Dean has done, even though it inspires people, it deflects attention and credibility from from significance of competitive national Ultra events (by focusing on solo and unofficial races).<br /><br />I think that Karnazes (at least as a Greek American) should help Kouros attain the recognition he deserves by reminding and teaching the public world about who this Greek Running Legend (YK) really is.<br /><br />Of course that probably wont happen as Kouros has be very blunt in his description of Karnazes which might seem unsportsman like, but then again Kouros is trying to preserve the sport itself (although Karnazes is trying to expand it)from becoming diluted. <br /><br />Kouros remains the authority on Ultra Running and his feats are far more inspirational then Karnazes accomplishments (although most people dont know who Kouros is). Which is the paradox and problem we are faced with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-20609383134931171082008-11-29T17:48:00.000-08:002008-11-29T17:48:00.000-08:00I am Greek and admire YK for his achievements and ...I am Greek and admire YK for his achievements and felt proud. The comments of his manager however disgusted me and were low. Do they really reprsent the opinion YK? It's hard to imagine YK would be so elitarian and conceited. <BR/>I've read DK's book too. It's well written, an inspiring personal tale. Oddly enough he is of greek origin too. Nevertheless due to his upbringing in the US he has been able to make more publicity for himself, which I personally think is great, because it introduces/makes people aware of the sport and also raised charities. <BR/>If YK has not had similar that's a different issue, but such comments towards DK are really inappropriate. Maybe DK is not "the best", but he certainly is an admirable athlete and individual. Maybe YK and his manager should blame the greek state for not offering him similar opportunities of marketing and translating his book into other languages.<BR/><BR/>Yannis Pappou, MDΓιάννηςhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18268994241701250597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-22840114233288257332008-06-25T12:52:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:52:00.000-07:00Come on folks--it's Yiannis' manager that seems to...Come on folks--it's Yiannis' manager that seems to be hypersensitive---Yiannis--who I have followed since he first came on the ultra scene, once said that his belief was to, "hear many,say little" Yiannis--in my opinion---he is the greatest runner of all time--to those who would dispute this I would say--you can't deny that he's the greatest ultra runner of all-time--ALSO--this is important!!! Yiannis' command of the English language is at best--sub--average--maybe that's the way it is with his manager too---Let's address the REAL PROBLEM--why isn't the bio--book he wrote yrs. ago only available in Greek? He can't get an English language publisher.Brother Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02207613178073496035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-50796908838185826682008-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:002008-06-12T09:04:00.000-07:00I have nothing against Dean or anything he has don...I have nothing against Dean or anything he has done. I have no i dea of what has transpired between the media and Yannis.<BR/><BR/>but ...<BR/><BR/>Yannis vs Dean in a 24 hour of longer road event would not be entertaining. They are completely different ability levels.<BR/><BR/>I give Dean credit for taking his very good abilities and promoting those abilites into a great income stream. There is nothing wrong with making money from what you love to do (I am jealous in fact)<BR/><BR/>I would think Humility is a difficult thing for Yannis when he not only wins events but destroys the competition. The have Dean take on the Women thing was a little harsh - Although I would take the top women of the world over Dean any day. It is not a cut on Dean as Women Rock in these long ultra events -Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-60906347677538730352008-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:002008-04-07T12:19:00.000-07:00I met Dean whilst waiting in a que to get our resp...I met Dean whilst waiting in a que to get our respective race numbers in the Mont Blanc Ultra Trail last year. He was friendly, unassuming and rather humble. He certainly didn't go about letting every one know he was DK or that he was the best. No, he was what we would expect him to be. Humble but open, honest without over selling himself. Mark (Spain)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-66095857151837011342008-03-29T01:57:00.000-07:002008-03-29T01:57:00.000-07:00ulIf that was really Yannis Kouros talking there, ...ulIf that was really Yannis Kouros talking there, then all I can say is that he is one arragant person. I have a lot of respect for him and am hoping like hell that he can just say this freely. Anybody who is an ultrarunner will always be an ultrarunner. If Kouros is still running in 10 years time, I'll challenge him and whoop him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-45482671971259512352008-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:002008-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:00I have been lucky enough to have been mentored int...I have been lucky enough to have been mentored into ultrarunning by runners who understand and respect the sport for what it is. It is not about chest thumping publicity hounds saying "look at me!" Ann Trason and Scott Jurek are examples champions with humility. They are not trying to sell insoles or challenge mediocre publicity hounds on the internet, the only audience they cared about is their peers on the trail. In ultrarunning the last person to finish has just as much glory as the first and usually a better story. These two would be better suited for professional wrestling.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-85737328274196473912008-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:002008-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:00Reply to the last comment. What is the true natur...Reply to the last comment. <BR/><BR/>What is the true nature of Ultra running in your mind? I run ultras but maybe I run them for the wrong reasons. I need the true definition so I know if I am going about this all wrong and wasting my time. For me there is no higher spiritual meaning. But any deeper meaning that you have doent mean that Dean and Yannis dont qualify as ultra runners. They dont understand the true nature of ultra running. What the hell does that mean Mr. Webster?Honehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10305522904478032648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-35297036104372964332008-03-20T11:09:00.000-07:002008-03-20T11:09:00.000-07:00I think everyone is tired of Dean putting his face...I think everyone is tired of Dean putting his face on a sport, not to mention insoles that is not about hype or self promotion. Honestly I don't think either one of these protagonists understands the true nature of ultrarunning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-51737930235095594082008-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:002008-03-19T13:31:00.000-07:00Oh, looks like 49 people beat me to this. Scott, ...Oh, looks like 49 people beat me to this. Scott, you're entitled to your opinion, and you may rant. Kouros and his manager are entitled to theirs, and I hold nothing against them for ranting. I don't have a problem with them being irritated by all the DK hype. I don't feel any need to rant against them. GB was probably kidding, but you never know with DK worshippers--can be very irrational. Kind of like people who think war criminal GWB is a hero for invading and destroying an entire country and destabilizing an entire region. (Hey, I'm ranting now!...) Will try to find time to read all the comments.Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman)https://www.blogger.com/profile/13506740152878287937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-65359668760068769832008-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:002008-03-19T08:49:00.000-07:00Ouch. Anil, thanks for linking the page, I finally...Ouch. Anil, thanks for linking the page, I finally read it. Somebody/something really ticked off somebody else. While it's none of our business and doesn't change why we run and how we do it, curiousity is a bad habit. I wonder.Olgahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00493291972954387932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-20522345446214591432008-03-19T02:32:00.000-07:002008-03-19T02:32:00.000-07:00After reading his blog, It definately sounds elit...After reading his blog, It definately sounds elitist. especially his tone asking how many have done a certain distance in 24hrs etc.<BR/><BR/>http://www.yianniskouros.com/html/nws-001.html<BR/><BR/>cant believe he has written.Anil Raohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-405182748214942262008-03-19T01:53:00.000-07:002008-03-19T01:53:00.000-07:00I would say wont be fair to judge Kouros based on ...I would say wont be fair to judge Kouros based on his blog content. I am sure something behind the screen has happened for such a challenge from his side.<BR/><BR/>Nevertheless it is very unexpected response from Ultra-running Legend, there is not much to prove for him, What has triggered this response!!<BR/><BR/>This will give even more fame to Dean :).<BR/><BR/>I hope someone takes on his challenge will be fun to follow.Anil Raohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13650023883820433704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-33361039438517694782008-03-18T21:30:00.000-07:002008-03-18T21:30:00.000-07:00Good rule. They can start their own blog, "Pansy ...Good rule. They can start their own blog, "Pansy Phantom Provokers" or "Mamma's Skirt is My Veil"<BR/>How's that for smack?Local Mind Mediahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06676782580566794924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-49460514877642502452008-03-18T16:13:00.000-07:002008-03-18T16:13:00.000-07:00To the last commenter - you wanna talk smack about...To the last commenter - you wanna talk smack about an individual, you're going to have to sign your name. Dems da rules.<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-20337700112489409972008-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:002008-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-14657877756532692762008-03-17T17:23:00.000-07:002008-03-17T17:23:00.000-07:00Scott, I pulled my comment with the "penultimate" ...Scott, I pulled my comment with the "penultimate" sub-comment. I didn't want to sound pedantic! lol. ;-)<BR/><BR/>In response to Jean P., you'll likely never know what YK is thinking; he's one of a kind. I think he'd have a more substantial stance if he were to toe the line at WS 100, Hardrock, or go up against the likes of Krupicka at Leadville.<BR/><BR/>One of the many reasons I love this sport (ultras, trails, mountains, etc.) is that the only measure of greatness is on the particular course and on a particular day. The PRs aren't "your 10k PR, or marathon PR, they are specific events, since they are all so different and exciting.<BR/><BR/>This sport is filled with so many humble and amazing athletes, that the couple of ding-bats who rifle off idiotic digs at others, serve as jesters that we can all laugh at, talk about, and learn from.<BR/><BR/>And, for the very uncommon praise for Dean, from my mouth, at least, I discovered this great sport because of him. So, I suppose I owe him some gratitude and at least a little respect.Local Mind Mediahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06676782580566794924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-81932043921550440952008-03-17T17:06:00.000-07:002008-03-17T17:06:00.000-07:00From the text of his blog, it sounds as if the pre...From the text of his blog, it sounds as if the press has been repeatedly asking Yannis about Dean. I can understand how annoying that must be. Sorta like asking the Norwegian skijumpers about Eddie-The-Eagle or John McEnroe about Bobby Riggs. Fine the first few times, but it gets old fast.<BR/>Why the press gets sucked in by "circus tricks"- difficult stunts of no true consequence- is a puzzlement, but it has always been so.<BR/>Yannis just seems to have reached his bull**** limit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-50518973714004439632008-03-17T15:28:00.000-07:002008-03-17T15:28:00.000-07:00More comments on this long thread...? After even m...More comments on this long thread...? After even more emails on this in the ultralist?<BR/><BR/>Just to say that although it's great to hear everyone's opinion, it doesn't provide much insight on what Yiannis is really thinking.<BR/><BR/>Any Aussie to check down there??<BR/><BR/>BTW, I didn't read it in this thread but on the ulra list: if you want more arguing, you can add ultra running versus trail ultra running and mountain ultra running. Then you move to a ground where you cannot compare accomplishments because of the too many variables (terrain, weather, support, etc.).<BR/><BR/>Phew, with that, let's get back to the trails to play with our limits, daemons and... egos! ;-)<BR/><BR/>Jean.<BR/><A HREF="http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Farther Faster</A><BR/><BR/>PS: can't wait to see more elite marathoners switching to ultra to put a new perspective on this debate!Jean Pommierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-51559830178082500972008-03-17T12:45:00.000-07:002008-03-17T12:45:00.000-07:00Penultimate! Here I thought I was being clever. Bu...Penultimate! Here I thought I was being clever. But you're right, that's not the right word. ;-)<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-33649512091372583252008-03-17T12:40:00.000-07:002008-03-17T12:40:00.000-07:00Don't let yourself by pulled into the DK vs YK dis...Don't let yourself by pulled into the DK vs YK discussion. I don't think this is about who is best. Scott put this out there for one reason - YK is being overly arrogant and offensive. That's a shame for a top athlete in any sport.<BR/><BR/>BTW, Scott you are going to break a record on most comments again! Anything with Dean, I swear. I love that your commenters are all top runners themselves - Koerner, Steidl, Olsen, Clarke - that's quite an audience you have!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-79027814280347552942008-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:002008-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00Couldn't find the YK blog from the link, just the ...Couldn't find the YK blog from the link, just the general website.<BR/>I think if you didn't bring it up, I would have never guessed/known he has problems with Americans (am I one of you?) or female (definitely one of those). He snapped. Whatever. It never mattered to me who is "named" the best as long as I know who "means" the best for me. YK is an awesome runner. DK has his own good qualities. SJ is humble and funny. KM is down to earth and cool. KS and AK are lightening fast and young. Uli is fierceful. Ann Trason is one of a kind never to be shadowed for what she did 9and continues to do). You raise questions and bring many a-runners together on this blog. We all have a place in this world.Olgahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00493291972954387932noreply@blogger.com