I agree that Shorter and Salazar were great runners, but what about 
Craig Virgin ? Not only is he the only American male to WIN the 
toughest footrace in the world...the World Cross Country (which did 
 TWICE)  but he was also a force on the road and track. The 
way Virgin raced also is a big factor .Not only could he use his 
head, but he could lead, surge like an African (succesfully!), or 
even kick (occasionally & not as succesful). He was a great high 
school runner -8:40 2M prep record .He was a great college runner who 
was overshadowed by older foregin runners, but  made no excuses & won 
a NCAA title. He also made 3 U.S. Olympic teams at 10,000m . 
 He was still in college when he made the '76 team. 1980 is still one 
of the best 10K battles ever (vs. Lindsay) and he certainly would 
have medaled in Moscow. Mentally he was as tough as they come. His 
1st U.S. record at 10,000  was at a very windy U.S. championships. He 
asked  Shorter & Robbie Perkins to help but they would not or could 
not. He sucked it up and broke Pre's record alone in a performance 
probably superior to his P.R. or any other U.S .10,000 time so far. 
His marathoning was not the very best, but he didn't focus on it 
solely. It took all Seko had to break him at Boston & Virgin had just 
come off his 2nd WXC title & an American road 10,000  the previous 
weeks. Remember he did this with all the physical problems (the 
Kidney situation that he was not suppose to live through). His 
accomplishments are to numerous to list, but he has definately NOT 
recived the recognition he deserves. 
<br>
John Erickson
<br>
    Craig Virgin            #3 US all time 10k 27:29.16

More Craig Virgin...<BR>

<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1996/May/960514.html">
here </a><br>
 <a href="http://www.rehabxcel.com/virgin.html">and here</a>