The balance and focus on this country's a fair point, Pedestrian, I'd agree with that

I do think the country's weight problem is pretty serious as well

Is it perhaps the way that society has evolved/is evolving? So much effort goes in to making life more comfortable and convenient that it has just become too easy to be lazy? Far too many alternatives, luxuries and distractions to divert people from a more active lifestyle?

I think so.

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I was thinking the exact same thing, ironically enough, while out for a run 90% of running's dedication and endurance, something your average Kenyan can probably identify with more than your average Brit , facing the usual dilemma of whether to watch TV, play computer games or go for a run in the freezing rain. But then the Americans and Australians have roughly equal distractions, and still produce a lot of top talent, in loads of sports

Are the respective education systems of the Americans and the Aussies more cunducive to nurturing sporting talent, perhaps? I know that the Australian culture is more geared towards an active lifestyle: but then they have the weather for it as well, I suppose.

As for the Kenyans; they seem to have little choice other than to be active from a very early age. There have been endless accounts over the years of how the Kenyan children walk or run to school and back (sometimes twice a day). This is often at altitude. Then there is the simple, but nutritionally sound diet etc...

(A similar theme is currently being pursued on the "Young Talent" thread, with regard to children in this country).

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ONLY THOSE WHO WILL RISK GOING TOO FAR CAN POSSIBLY FIND OUT HOW FAR THEY CAN GO.