LeBron James is the most incredible physical marvel in sports right now, and maybe ever. One writer for Citius Mag recently estimated James could run a 4:20 mile, prompting author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell to challenge The King to a race.
Gladwell offered the challenge on Twitter, and once the idea gained some traction, he proclaimed:
“I’m dead serious. One mile. Anywhere. Anytime. Me vs Lebron. All proceeds to charity.”
I'm dead serious. One mile. Anywhere. Anytime. Me vs Lebron. All proceeds to charity. @KingJames @CitiusMag https://t.co/YJNOdsqK4J
— Malcolm Gladwell (@Gladwell) August 23, 2017
Bold move. On Tuesday, James posted this impressive workout video that inspired the whole discussion and led to Twitter discussions of whether LeBron could beat Usain Bolt in a mile race.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYGipRnhqiM/
If we’re lucky enough to get this race, LeBron will be the heavy favorite, of course. But don’t sleep on Gladwell, 21-year age difference be damned. He’s a running enthusiast who ran a 5:03 mile just two years ago. In college, he ran 3:55 for 1500 meters, which translates to about a 4:13 mile. With two-time Olympic gold medalist Nick Willis offering his help, maybe Gladwell could break five minutes again.
I'll coach them!
— Nick Willis (@nickwillis) August 23, 2017
Let’s just hope Gladwell doesn’t challenge LeBron to any sprints. We all know what can happen when you dangle a carrot — or a Warriors fast break — in front of James’ nose.
