Genuine inquiry, if that's allowed

What's with these photos/videos of young athletes (usually very muscular) barely able to run over 3 miles or under a 12:00 pace? I only run about three times a year and I can do 3-4 miles at an 7-8:00 pace fairly easily. Granted, I do trail-walk/elliptical as my primary form of exercise, but I'm no fitness guru. Is it really just complete lack of prior cardio? Is it dehydration? Is it engagement bait?