“Weird Feeling”: World Record Marathon Runner CJ Alberston Shares Disappointment After Paris 2024 Olympics Dream Slip Away

CJ Albertson became popularly known for his spectacular performance at the Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run in San Francisco on October 8, 2022, where he set the world record in the 50-kilometer run with a time of 2:38:43. Albertson also took the spotlight for leading the 2021 Boston Marathon for the first 20 miles. But, now, the world record marathon runner shared his sadness as he could not do enough for his Paris Olympics dream.

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials event Conner Mantz and Clayton Young secured the spot for the upcoming Paris Games. However, track and field athlete CJ Albertson had to face disappointments despite early domination at the event.

Narrow miss in marathon trials

The world record holder in the 50-kilometer run, CJ Albertson is one of them who had to let himself down on 3 February in Orlando at the Marathon event. And now the 30-year-old US long-distance runner shared disappointment after missing out on Olympic time, as he secured fifth place in 2:10:07. After the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials 2024 event, Citius Mag took to its X  handle to share the short clip of the track and field athlete after missing out on making to the Olympic team.

CJ Albertson explained how all the competitors in the race came so fast, “I thought they were so far ahead. Because we had to turn around and never even saw them. My camera. Anyway, there was our last bottle. It was 22 and a half. And like, they were nowhere. I thought they were nowhere near. I don’t know if it’s a picture, but it seemed like I was at least 25 seconds back. I don’t know. Because I couldn’t even see them. And then all of a sudden, I saw everyone except for two’’ he added.

Apart from that, Albertson opened up, “It’s kind of a weird feeling because I’m like, ‘wow that’s not bad,’ but then I’m like, ‘wow, if I would’ve ran like ten seconds faster somewhere in the middle, I had the best kick.” His disappointment was evident.

The unpredictable nature of trials

The dynamics of the race saw unexpected turns as contenders such as Conner Mantz and Clayton Young claimed the top two spots. The men’s race was quite a tumultuous competition with surprising performances. And the outcomes were highly unpredictable. Albertson had a phenomenal closing speed, with a 4:58 final mile. But it was not enough for him to secure the Olympic berth.

Read more: US Olympic Marathon Trials Debutant Zach Panning Opens Up on His Disappointing Finish Despite Early Domination

Adding to the tinge of unpredictability, other key players, such as Scott Fauble and Sam Chelanga, in the men’s race also dropped out. Albertson had a personal best of 2:10:07, but just for a matter of 10 seconds, he could not make it to the spot.

Now, new faces who have captured public attention will be vying for the Olympic glory.

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