Why does watching a woman set a new world track record make me cry? 

Is it because I’m a woman runner myself, and I can guess how that might feel?

Is it because I’m so impressed by the abilities of my species, or my gender?

Is it because I’m so happy for that one woman, her teammates, her coach, and her family?

All of the above? None? I’m not sure. All I know is, I tried to upload NBC’s video of Almaz Ayana’s world-record finish in the women’s 10k on the first night of Olympic track & field, and all it would give me was this link. Still : watch it. See if it makes you cry. Then see if you can say why.

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/almaz-ayana-shatters-10000m-world-record

Damn.