This is in response to the Ritz could beat Meb thread. I posted on the thread but thought a thread should be created to show opposition. Dathan Ritz is a great runner and have had a STELLAR 2009 season.
There comes a time when athletes propel themselves to a higher level then they previously occupied.
Galen Rupp in 2009 when he went on a tear and toyed with collegiate competition
Dathan Ritz by lowering his 5000m and getting the AR, following up with a bronze at World 1/2 Mar
Jenny Barringer destroying all her pbs from 1500m to steeple and head and shoulders above any collegiate runner
BEFORE 2009 those athletes had shown tremendous promise; however, this year the rose to another level. While add Mebrahtom Keflezighi! Mebrahtom shown great promise before 2009 but just like the previous athletes he is operating on a higher level than he has before this year.
Mebrahtom beat the third fastest marathoner ever, a 2 time world champion, 4 time Boston winner, sub 59 minute 1/2 miler, five sub 2:07 marathoners. The fashion at which he handle the competition and the ease shows he is better then when he won Olympic Silver!
On a flat course he could have run 2:07 but we have to wait til he does, just like the poster of Ritz could beat Meb will have to wait to he actually does. Could Ritz have beaten the field Meb did at NYC- as good as Ritz is I don't think he would have beaten the entire NYC marathon field!