Disagree. The greats need both or they lose real legacy.

@@benjaminpease5297 disagree. I couldnt name you a gold medalist if i wanted unless they held or hold a record(off the top of my head). But I could definitely name some record holders who dont have a gold medal. I do get that they want that gold medal for their own pride and achievement, but they really dont mean much to anyone but their own self. But records... Records drive and inspire people to push harder and harder. To do something no one else has done. I do also think youre just kind of assuming. Id like an example of a record holder losing their legacy due to not having a medal

The medal requires alot of skills necessary for a champion that world records with rabbits don't require as much. The ability to go through multiple rounds both in the semi finals and finals at both the trial and olympic level. The ability to run sound tactical races in the final. Running in what might be sub optimal conditions in terms of distractions and weather. And probably many others. Had El Guerrouj not gotten his gold medals in 2004 or, or Morceli in 1996 for that matter, neither could have been the greatest. Too many missing skills to deserve that title. Even Eliud Kipchoge needed a gold medal to complete his resume. But he already has that, would get another one this year if held likely, because he is as good an olympian as he is a record setter.

Mo Farah and Ezekiel Kemboi come to mind: no WR but all-time greats because of Olympics and tactics. Some people who resumes are hurt by Olympic failures include Wilson Kipketer and Daniel Komen.

@@benjaminpease5297 first off Daniel has a gold medal in Athens. But most importantly. This is way off topic. I said record holders are remembered for longer. Not what it takes to be great. Look at Steve prefontaine. Never preformed well in an olympic setting but hed 8 records at one point and is probably the most well known American running legend. El guerrouj gold means nothing when you look at his nearly impossible record. His time overshadows every other achievement hes ever made. I wont argue whether they are better runners than their gold medal counterparts but they will be remembered for longer I can promise that.

Thanks! I fixed it.