Could this be the best year in history for American mid/long distance? Let's look at the medal prospects for Worlds in August.
Jager and Coburn have to both be considered favorites for gold at this point. As we saw today, anything can happen in the steeple, but both athletes have shown superior form in the main event, as well as in the 1500 this year.
In the 800, Wilson looks to be the only woman capable of challenging Sum for the gold. If she keeps her shoe on, she'll definitely win a medal of some color. Martinez and Montano could also have a shot at bronze.
Both 1500 fields are packed at the top, but Simpson has shown such consistency over the past year that she should be the slight favorite. The odds are probably a bit longer for Centrowitz, but given the right race, this could be the year where he breaks through to the top of the podium.
If Rupp is ever going to beat his training partner along with all of the East Africans, this is the year. NOP saga aside, Rupp was incredibly dominant in the 10k at nationals, and Farah couldn't beat his time from last year despite pushing from the gun. There are obviously a ton of variables, and Farah is so good in championship races, but Rupp has a real chance to flip the script. Given all the African focus on the 5k this year, Huddle also has a shot at a medal.
If everything goes right, the US could win six out of the ten golds in the distance track events in Beijing. I don't expect all of this to happen of course, but Americans should be favored in three races. What a turnaround it has been for American distance.
Happy Fourth of July.