Almaz Ayana.... WOW!

I have more faith in Ayana than Genzebe in championship races. Genzebe seem to have the Asafa syndrome.

Almaz was flying!!!!

Ayana has been a top 5000 runner for a few years.

It was decided by someone in Ethiopia a few years ago that she wasn't going far with steeplechase, she was developed for the 5000 instead. How else can one explain Tirunesh paced her to a PB in Paris 2013? She won the bronze in WC 2013. I think she had the 2nd fastest time for the year behind Tirunesh. She also had the 2nd fastest time in 2014 behind Genzebe.

She doesn't have Genzebe's speed, but she has the endurance to run the longer distances.

Dr Doctor wrote:

This girl (23) has been flying under the radar for years, her bread and butter race has been the steeple.

I disagree that the steeple has been her bread and butter. She with little fanfare had run 14:25 in the past - that's #6 all time.

In the steeple, in 2010, she ran a world junior record of 9:22.51. That's only #39 all time and the women's steeple is a MUCH weaker event than the 5k.

Plus she has a world championhip outdoor medal in the 5k, not steeple.

You'd think given the fact she can run 14:14 that she'd obliterate the steeple WR.

Here is our race recap:

sdfsd wrote:

I have more faith in Ayana than Genzebe in championship races. Genzebe seem to have the Asafa syndrome.

I was thinking about the same thing today. Come World Championships, Genzebe won't be anywhere and could even miss out on the medals.

rojo wrote:

Dr Doctor wrote:

This girl (23) has been flying under the radar for years, her bread and butter race has been the steeple.

I disagree that the steeple has been her bread and butter. She with little fanfare had run 14:25 in the past - that's #6 all time.

In the steeple, in 2010, she ran a world junior record of 9:22.51. That's only #39 all time and the women's steeple is a MUCH weaker event than the 5k.

Plus she has a world championhip outdoor medal in the 5k, not steeple.

You'd think given the fact she can run 14:14 that she'd obliterate the steeple WR.

Here is our race recap:

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2015/05/ethiopias-almaz-ayana-runs-third-fastest-womens-5000-in-history-1414-32/

How many times does malmo need to explain to you that the steeple doesn't quite work that way?

She's been used as a pacemaker for the big names. But she is a very dedicated athlete and her hard work is paying off.

I agree she doesn't have Genze's speed, but is far steadier endurance wise and if a very powerful runner. Look out for Mercy Cherono too,

Good Dec 2014 profile article here from IAAF:

http://www.iaaf.org/news/feature/almaz-ayana-feature

"After a successful year in 2014, Ayana is already looking forward to the 2015 outdoor track season where her major ambitions are to win the 5000m world title and attempt the world record over the event.

“Breaking the world record is possible,” said Ayana, whose personal best is nearly 14 seconds behind Tirunesh Dibaba’s mark of 14:11.15.

“And I will be thinking about it whenever there are favourable conditions,” she added."

Appears she's now managed by Jos Hermens and Global Sports.

Dr Doctor wrote:

Are you people aware of this? She almost broke the 5K WR last night in China.

Awesome, woohoo!

red nose day wrote:

rojo wrote:

I disagree that the steeple has been her bread and butter. She with little fanfare had run 14:25 in the past - that's #6 all time.

In the steeple, in 2010, she ran a world junior record of 9:22.51. That's only #39 all time and the women's steeple is a MUCH weaker event than the 5k.

Plus she has a world championhip outdoor medal in the 5k, not steeple.

You'd think given the fact she can run 14:14 that she'd obliterate the steeple WR.

Here is our race recap:

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2015/05/ethiopias-almaz-ayana-runs-third-fastest-womens-5000-in-history-1414-32/

How many times does malmo need to explain to you that the steeple doesn't quite work that way?

You aren't quite understanding what I meant by "how is does or doesn't work". Being a great flat runner doesn't translate to being a steeplechaser. But if you are already a proven steeplechaser the way to improve at steeplechasing is to become a better runner.

Rojo is right.

IAAF Profile wrote:

“Breaking the world record is possible,” said Ayana, who's now managed by Jos Hermens and Global Sports.

Oh here we go.

Could she be the first woman to go sub 14 mins?

lol I was waiting for a Jos Hermans mention.... And now we understand why she's running so fast..........

Popful Mail wrote:

lol I was waiting for a Jos Hermans mention.... And now we understand why she's running so fast..........

Because Jos Hermans is awesome, and deserves our greatest respect.

On that note, 2014 African Championships 5000m:

1. Almaz Ayana - 15:32 CR

2. Genzebe Dibaba - 15:42

This rivalry could really be something. It'd be great to see them race in Beijing, 14:14 vs. 14:18i. Perhaps the Indoor WR can still get closer to the Outdoor WR, if they meet indoors?

Popful Mail wrote:

lol I was waiting for a Jos Hermans mention.... And now we understand why she's running so fast..........

Same story for Ryan Vail? Is his success this year also tied to his association with Hermens?