Running From Orientalism

As a runner, I spend a lot of my time reading about and researching various training and fueling techniques. I focus, in particular, on Olympic level marathoners and long-distance runners. Because of this, most of my research focuses on runners from East Africa- with the top distance runners consistently being citizens of Ethiopia and Kenya. Throughout my research, I have encountered two very distinct views of the running practices of these elite runners from African Countries. One: the genetic makeup of people from East Africa has enabled them to develop the traits that are ideal for running (high pain tolerance, slender build, efficient stride, ect.). The other view, however, is that East African communities have remained in a primitive state that has left the skill of running to be one their only necessary skills or pastimes.

While the first theory has both its proponents and critiques, it is rarely focused on. Instead, researchers and authors alike hone in on the potential of the second theory. This theory capitalizes on the "widespread poverty" and "necessitating nature" of running to escape from animals and to retrieve water from far away wells. While it's hard to argue that these things do not exist in East African countries- yes, there is poverty, and yes there are wild animals in many parts of East Africa. However. While many Western athletes are focused on the "exotic" and "primitive upbringing" of East African runners, they fail to note the many other factors that contribute to their racing success. They don't mention, for example, the altitude at which they practice at, the heat they endure yearly, or the immense drive and determination that is instilled in them- like with all elite athletes.

The running community remains in awe of East African runners, but instead of focusing on their workouts or fueling, they do what Westerners have been doing for years on end: they degrade them by implying their skills are nothing but primitive and evolutionary instincts with no basis in their determination or hard work. This is a subtle and not often recognized aspect of orientalism that arises in many sports, though the domination of East African talent in long distance running is certainly what brought on this specific and pointed examination.