RBC Grad Misses the Olympics Despite Having
Faster Time Than Some Competing Athletes
BY TIM MORRIS
TheJournalNJ.com | AUGUST 2021 19
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highest and throws the furthest. Rob Napolitano, the former Red Bank
Catholic and Columbia University running standout, learned the hard
race were announced, Napolitano was optimistic about his chances of going
to Tokyo representing Puerto Rico (he has Puerto Rican roots on his mother’s
side). After all, his 3:35.63 personal best for the metric mile stacked up as
while optimistic, Napolitano kept a keen eye on his ranking because there
was a major catch: Time alone doesn’t determine the selections.
an individual’s best time (performance) and a bonus system (placement
points). The bonus system is based on results at certain meets. Those bonus
meets are mostly run in Europe, which weighs heavily against American
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ing up bonus points in the meets that would have helped his ranking. That
placement that allows a country that doesn’t have anyone who has met the
qualifying standard in that sport to enter one athlete. That’s how a 4:10 mil-
“I did everything I could. The rest was out of my hands. My situation is
not unique,” he said, noting that Great Britain left a 3:30 runner off its team.
“I am not alone at all.”
No matter how fair or unfair the selection system and no matter how
much company Napolitano has, the frustration of not getting to compete in
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quest. “The effort was so monumental. I feel like the effort I put into running
3:35 was greater than the time.”
While he moves on to a new life away from professional running, it’s
still hard giving it up. “It’s a tough exit,” he remarked. “I feel like I’m breaking
up with myself. I’m ending a relationship with myself.”
beyond his wildest expectations, starting with those state championships at
RBC. That was followed by his multiple All-Ivy and All-American selections
at Columbia. There’s the sub-4:00 mile (his best is 3:54.28) and his professional
career running including competing at national championships and
such prestigious events as the Wanamaker Mile. But once a runner, always
a runner. Running is still in Napolitano’s blood, and it’s something he will
continue to do even if the stakes aren’t as high.
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