grundle v vulva wrote:
It seems like a lot of guys here don't understand the argument. "Why is it suspicious that she closed under 1:57 when she's a 3:50 runner?" No - both times are outrageous. With sympathy for the guy who lamented the collective, automatic response of skepticism to any amazing feat on the track, this is a no-brainer.
Similar is the family defense. You want to say she's clean because her finish is similar to that of T-babe back in the day, closing 10ks in 55? Back when she, Defar, Kenny B and Sihine ruled the roost and no one tested for CERA? Please.
Everybody understands the argument just fine.
What I don't get is this:
In any sport, but particarly track and field because it is easily measured and compared, athletes are constantly getting fitter and stronger. ALWAYS. There are world records almost every year and world record attempts happen pretty often as well-- athletes are believing they can go faster. At some point, the athletics world is going to have to accept the fact that improvement can happen without doping. Think back a few decades ago when the world record for the women's 5K was like 14:40. Now, that time would be DESTROYED in most diamond league races. Do you think that if those people had someone run 14:30 at the time that they would have been a little suspicious as well? A 14:30 currently is a stunning time, but no where near the world leader, much less the world record. My point is that you have to expect that CLEAN elite runners are going to produce world records at some point or another. And, who is to say the Genzebe Dibaba isn't that person? Or Kipyegon and Hassan a few steps behind her? I guess from my point of view, I couldn't follow this sport to only talk poorly of the so called "cheaters" whenever they have historic success.