You heard it here first.
You heard it here first.
Kiprop is young and doesn't have one of the fastest PB's going in but he showed at World XC in the Junior race and by winning the Kenyan trials that he will definately be in the mix in Osaka. Does anyone know how tall he is? Looks like 6'3" or 6'4".
I know, I know. Most Webb lovers are just waiting to bash me, but I just have a funny feeling about this one. Webb is running so great now and everyone else is either running good or sub-par. Lagat, Konmen, Silva just aren't running like Webb is. Is it me, or does anyone think he has run his best race so far this year? I mean seriously, why haven't any of the usual suspects matched or come close to his times. I think a couple of these guys may even be training through these meets or just flat out sandbagging.
Adil Kaouch. Without a doubt.
Webb did run the fastest time ever in the month of May, and has managed to run great ever since. IF his 3:46 and 1:43 weren't peak performances he could be scary good in Osaka. I just feel that Kiprop will be very fresh and running huge PB's. His lack of experience is the mark against him.
I think it will be very impressive if Kiprop gets a medal.
The thing that is Shocking about Kiprop is that he won the Jr WC's as a 1500 guy. Most runners that win that race are 5000 or 10000 guys. Now he might burn out like some of these Kenyan guys in about another 2-3 yrs, but if winning the JWC in the Cross, African Games and Kemyan Nationals don't make you a believer, then what will? Webb has ran some great times this year, but something makes me say it won't happen for him. Maybe 08 or 09. I personally think he needs one final let down to really push him over. He is an eratic runner. He is maturing, but I think next year will finally be his year.
please if Webb is healthy, he is by far the frontrunner, he's running like Coe and Scott of old... I dont care what Kenyans are there 3:46 in July is damn good... also look at that closing speed 143:8x... Webb hasnt lost a mile, 1500, nor 800 all season, and last time I checked he was racing in Europe... Screw Africa, they may get the 5000 and 10000 cause of KB, but Africa wont yet the 1500
Gator wrote:
Webb hasnt lost a mile, 1500, nor 800 all season, and last time I checked he was racing in Europe... Screw Africa, they may get the 5000 and 10000 cause of KB, but Africa wont yet the 1500
When he ran 1:45 he got second...but I've got Webb winning (in my heart)
You've got Webb winning in your heart do you!
Well that may not be good enough even if your
heart is half the size of Pre's.
I'm with you amigo; and hope the ole Webbmaster can
do it; but the task before him is like winning the
fight between darkness and light. Webb is going to need to have a weight the equivalent of a beam of light and
will need to move just as effortlessly.
He can do it if his mind keeps the pace and is
not intimidated by the dark clouds that want no
American to win.
Let your eyes be one minded Alan and may your feet fly
as if carried by angels.
All of America and all of Canada and all of Mexico believe in you. Adelante Hombre!
Q
The TFN article was written before Webb ran 3:46 and 1:43. That might have changed their opinion.
Kiprotich for the win
Qucassidy,
With your ethereal post I must ask, are you really Gerry the Jogger?
Webb, like he did coming out of HS, might have topped this year's performance and downhill might be the direction we should expect. I hope he can show some long and consistent than he has shown in the past.
Gator wrote:
please if Webb is healthy, he is by far the frontrunner, he's running like Coe and Scott of old... I dont care what Kenyans are there 3:46 in July is damn good... also look at that closing speed 143:8x... Webb hasnt lost a mile, 1500, nor 800 all season, and last time I checked he was racing in Europe... Screw Africa, they may get the 5000 and 10000 cause of KB, but Africa wont yet the 1500
he dosent have nearly the closing speed that seb coe did, he needs to run away from the field or he could easily lose in a kick.
He's been in a few races this year that have come down the final 100 meters or so and he's won each one with an impressive kick.
If Webb is injured he probably won't medal. It is getting to the point that bad luck is US 1500 meter running's main nemesis. It goes back to Ryun tripping at the Olympics to Falcon tripping in consecutive races. I knew Webb's season was too good too be true. There is always sometime in the way from preventing US milers from competiting. The word for it is bad luck - plain and simple.
I don't know about bad luck, or some spirit/ghost who has some eternal grudge against american contenders in the 1500. Does anyone know the extent of Webb's injury? or whether it was a ploy so he could withdraw from that meet?
Barring finding out he has a serious injury I like webb's chances. That half proved that he has developed the closing speed to win in a slower race and i don't know if there is anyone in the world who can run flat out with him for 1500 meters.
I only have two concerns. One that he will make some bonehead move at 1125 meters and run a 11.8 for the next 100, then proceed fade into oblivion. Two that Kenya will be able to advance several to the final and use team tactics against a relatively solo webb. (Lagat will be there however i doubt one will be willing to set up the other.)
Regardless it should be a blast to watch.
Webb should be the favorite. Regardless, he will be there with 200 left. The question shouldn't be how fast he's running, or his potential closing speed, but how he will race tactically. He runs fast, but in the past has raced like dirt. Hopefully the 1:43 is an indication that he's learned how to deal with a world class field.
Asbel Kiprop gets 12th ... 12th last month in Athens in 3:35 (his best time of the year) while the winner goes 3:31, and someone is calling him the favorite????
I don't think so.
I'll take my chances on the world Mile and 1500 leader to go along with the 2nd fastest 800. Webb also produced a convincing win through heats to beat one of the best 1500 runners ever.