A Blank Reflection: Asian Americans in Distance Running

Max Huang, 2023

       

        Despite the diverse pool of talent that defines the United States, a profound underrepresentation of Asian Americans persists in the arena of distance running. This is not a mere oversight, but a manifestation of a web of cultural factors, including the dominance of White sport, deeply ingrained stereotypes that cloud Asian American athleticism, and cultural misconceptions that continue to thrive. This underrepresentation is felt keenly by those in the sport. As a national-level runner, I experienced this firsthand. During a period of injury last year, I grappled with a palpable lack of visible Asian-American-runner role models, which added an additional layer of challenge to my journey back. In 2021, a mere 1.86% of collegiate cross-country runners identified as Asian American, a statistic that is as disheartening as it is revealing (NCAA Research). This lack of involvement not only poses an issue of injustice, but an issue of health, as low physical activity in Asian teens, specifically, is tied to “higher presence … of high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol,” and mental health issues such as depression (Diep et al. 1-2). The juxtaposition of American distance running against the running culture of Japan sheds light on the underexplored terrain of cultural differences in sporting practices and how these can illuminate pathways to foster greater inclusivity in running.

        The stark lack of Asian American presence in distance running is a clear manifestation of the pervasive dominance of White sport in America. In the NCAA, a paltry 2% of athletes identify as Asian, a percentage that dwindles even lower for cross-country distance running, to a mere 250 Asian American runners out of a total of 13,442 in 2021 (NCAA Research). This underrepresentation permeates beyond the physical tracks and trails into the virtual realm of social media, a space that could potentially offer differing perspectives, yet often mirrors the biases of the real world. FloTrack, a popular Instagram platform boasting 360,000 followers, falls victim to this, as an analysis of their content over the last six months reveals that they featured Asian runners a scant three times amidst 379 posts (FloTrack). 

        At a cursory glance, it may seem like Asians just prioritize academics over athletics. This could induce stress and explain the chilling reality of their higher depression rates compared to their white counterparts (Tran 11). Asians excelling in school falls right under the ‘Model Minority’ Myth (Zimmerman). They are perceived as studious, successful, and smart, but unathletic. Their lack of visibility can further be ignorantly attributed to lack of talent; this would elucidate why FloTrack does not often feature them in their “exclusive content” (FloTrack). 

        The truth, however, is that many Asian Americans want to run. The narrative of Asian American disinterest in physical activity is belied by the actions of individuals like Leland Yu, who, over the pandemic, used distance running as a platform to support the Chinatown community (Chan). On a broader scale, a study on Chinese-American youth found that those with “positive social support were almost eleven times more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity than participants perceiving negative social support,” showing that many do have the willingness to participate (Zhang and DeBate 1). Along with the desire to run, they can also perform well. Asian-born runners like Miki Gorman, two-time New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon winner, and Yuki Kawauchi, the first to run 100 marathons under 2:20, have found great success on the global stage (Chan). Asian American runners have the genetic potential to excel if given the opportunity. The notion that all Asian Americans value academics over athletics or are naturally not suited for sports is wrong, and it is just another stereotype that compounds their underrepresentation in distance running and the lack of attention to the issue.

        Why, then, is it that Asian athletes are seeing success, while Asian Americans are stuck struggling for visibility? Against the American backdrop, Japanese running culture offers a striking contrast that lends itself to the answer. The culture of Japanese distance running is marked by camaraderie and team spirit (Adharanand 11). Key to this is the Ekiden, a relay-style race deeply embedded in Japanese running culture. Unlike the typically solitary sport of long-distance running, the Ekiden is a cherished tradition that transforms the activity into a communal, team-driven event (Adharanand 11). It is so popular that, “while US marathon broadcasts rarely creep above 1% ratings, in Japan a 10% rating for a major ekiden or marathon would be a disappointment” (Adharanand 11). This celebration of collective spirit and unity is what the United States is missing.

        The issue is not lack of willingness but rather lack of support for Asian Americans. One study found “environmental influences” to be the leading cause of Asian Americans not participating in sports (Zhang and DeBate 2). Another study supplemented this, stating that “[s]tudent-athlete status appeared to be most consistently beneficial for White student-athletes” and that “Asian/Pacific Island student-athletes did not appear to be benefited by student-athlete status” (Tran 1). Largely in school environments, Asian American teen athletes are tokenized and excluded. Instead of supporting them, their peers often target them. As runner and activist Ben Chan poignantly recalled in his podcast episode: when he moved to a new school as a child, he realized, “‘[Everyone] ha[d] a common target, and that was me’” (Zimmerman). This constant othering can lead to depression. Research in 2012 showed that Asian student-athletes “exhibited a higher rate of suicidal ideation (9.6%) compared to White student-athletes (4.8%)” (Tran 11). The sad truth is that America fails to provide a supportive community for Asian runners. 

        The underrepresentation of Asian Americans in distance running is not a simple issue of individual choices, but a complex interplay of societal factors like the dominance of White sport, pervasive stereotypes, and cultural misunderstandings. To challenge this disparity, we must draw inspiration from the Japanese running culture and focus on community-building initiatives. Additionally, it is crucial that we form bonds of solidarity with other marginalized minority groups, supporting each other in our shared pursuit of equality in sports. Through conscious efforts to challenge stereotypes, foster community, and uplift each other, we can aspire to transform the sport of distance running, creating a community that not only welcomes but celebrates the diversity of its participants.

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Figure 1. 

NCAA Research. "Demographics Dashboard." NCAA Demographics Database, NCAA, Dec. 2022,           
     www.ncaa.org/sports/2018/12/13/ncaa-demographics-database.aspx. "Demographics by Race/Ethnicity,
     Students: Student-Athletes."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2. 

NCAA Research. "Demographics Dashboard." NCAA Demographics Database, NCAA, Dec. 2022,
     www.ncaa.org/sports/2018/12/13/ncaa-demographics-database.aspx. "Table View: Coach and Student-
     Athlete Demographics by Sport, Cross Country."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 3. 

FloTrack [flotrack]. "Live Track and XC Events. Exclusive Content." Instagram,
     www.instagram.com/flotrack/?hl=en. "Screenshot of FloTrack Instagram Page." 

 

 

Works Cited

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Chan, Linda S. "Asian American Pacific Islander Runners Making Waves in Our Community." Blog,
     Prospect Park Track Club, 21 May 2021, pptc.org/blog/2021/5/20/asian-american-pacific-islander-               runners-making-waves-in-our-community.

1. Community: “The goal of Chinatown Runners has always been to uplift, celebrate and empower AAPI communities as well as the residents that live in them.”

       Definition: a body of people who live in the same place, usually sharing a common cultural or ethnic 
       identity, but more importantly and often forgotten, the social cohesion and the mutual support and
       affinity such as is derived from living in that group (OED).

 

Diep, Cassandra S., et al. "Physical Activity Behaviors and Influences among Chinese–American Children
     Aged 9–13 Years: A Qualitative Study." Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, vol. 19, no. 2, 6 July 
     2016, pp. 358-66. PubAg, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27384684/.

 

Finn, Adharanand. The Way of the Runner: A Journey into the Fabled World of Japanese Running. New
     York City, Pegasus Books, 2016.

1. Culture: “The other reason the running culture in Japan is fascinating is the possibility that maybe I can learn something that can help me continue to improve as a runner” (53). 

       Definition: With modifying noun: a way of life or social environment characterized by or associated with
       the specified quality or thing; a group of people subscribing or belonging to this (OED). In the context
       of Japanese distance running: the unique amalgamation of values, traditions, training methodologies,
       and social norms that shape the approach, mindset, and collective identity of Japanese distance
       runners; the camaraderie between Japanese distance runners.

   2. Ekiden: “While US marathon broadcasts rarely creep above 1% ratings, in Japan a 10% rating for a
       major ekiden or marathon would be a disappointment” (11).

       Definition: a cherished tradition that transforms the typically solitary sport of long-distance running               into a communal, team-driven event, where runners unite in a relay-style race, passing on their         

       collective spirit and energy through a symbolic sash.

FloTrack [flotrack]. "Live Track and XC Events. Exclusive Content." Instagram,     

     www.instagram.com/flotrack/?hl=en.

1. Exclusive: “Exclusive Content” (Instagram Account Biography)

       Definition: an article, news-item, etc., contributed exclusively to, or published exclusively by, a
       particular newspaper. It can also mean: not admitting of the existence or presence of (something)
       (OED). While these are often seen as two, distinct and separate definitions, many media sources
       actually fall under both definitions. This source is both “exclusive” in that it is FloTrack’s unique content
       and that it fails to show the existence of Asian American runners. 

 

NCAA Research. "Demographics Dashboard." NCAA Demographics Database, NCAA, Dec. 2022,
      www.ncaa.org/sports/2018/12/13/ncaa-demographics-database.aspx.

 

Tran, Alisia G. T. T. "Looking Forward to Student-athlete Mental Health: Racial/ethnic Trends from 2010 to
     2015." Journal of American College Health, vol. 69, no. 8, 26 Feb. 2020, pp. 942-50,
     pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32101087/.

1. Tokenized: “Similarly, Multiracial athletes face stereotypes that can be restrictive by disregarding their Multiracial heritage and self-identities in favor of monoracial classifications or tokenized characterizations of Multiracial athletes as transcending race/ethnicity” (13).

       Definition: to hire, treat, or use (someone) as a symbol of inclusion or compliance with regulations, or   
       to avoid the appearance of discrimination or prejudice

 

Zhang, Yan, and Rita DiGioacchino DeBate. "Exploration of Social Cognitive Factors Associated with
     Physical Activity Among Chinese-American Children." International Electronic Journal of Health
     Education, vol. 9, 26 May 2006, pp. 108-21. Education Resources Information Center, eric.ed.gov/?
     id=EJ794129.

 

Zimmerman, Emma, host. "Ben Chan on Racism in Trail Running, and Holding Powerful People
     Accountable." Social Sport, episode 39, Citius Mag, Nov. 2020.

1. Injustice: “‘Have you always been really focused on exposing injustice?’” 

       Definition: “Injustice” is commonly understood as unjust action, unfairness, and/or discrimination
       experienced by a particular group (OED). However, it extends beyond just that. In American distance
       running, “injustice” refers to not only the overt acts of discrimination but also the systemic barriers that
       hinder the visibility and ultimately progress of Asian American runners. It encompasses the historical
       and ongoing struggles faced by Asian American athletes in overcoming these obstacles, as well as           the impact of such injustices on their mental health, well-being, and will to continue distance running. 

   2. Target: “‘Oh, you have a common target, and that was me.’”

       Definition: a person who is the object of general abuse, scorn, or derision, often due to their cultural
       background or identity, making them a symbol of the broader issues of discrimination and social bias
       that persist (OED).