Astonishing. I could watch that race all night. I might do it.
Easily the event of the championships and savior of the championships. This will be the memory.
I have to say when the 6 broke clear I expected Coburn 4th and Frerichs 6th. Then little by little it started to dawn on me that it didn't have to happen that way. But I never allowed myself to project 2 medals, let alone first and second.
I can't remember a more remarkable finish in a distance race of this caliber. Just too darn bad it was world championships and not the Olympics, where it would he Wheaties automatic and all time legendary.
Full credit to Craig Masback for emphasizing early that Frerich's camp wanted her to trail Cobrun and thought she was ready to stay with her, despite a 12 second lagging personal best. I'm thinking...that's interesting. Might last half the race.
But that's why you challenge the front and don't sit back like a mediocrity. Let the Gregoreks of the world take that sorry route.
Frerichs made the key decision and move of the race. I didn't read the entire thread so I'm not sure if anyone highlighted it. Coburn seemed content to lag behind the Kenyans on the final backstretch and wait for the water jump. Frerichs said screw that, they are already vulnerable and this race is there for the taking. She pushed boldly toward the front from the outside and Coburn woke up and realized it was the correct choice. She wasn't going to allow another American to get the jump on her.
I didn't understand why Frerichs didn't try for the inside on the final water jump. That choice gave Coburn the edge. Then both Americans were flawless over the final water jump and last barrier. It was so incredible once it became clear cut that Frerichs would hold for silver.
And so fitting that hurdling technique played a key role for a change. That final water jump provided separation. I get sick of all the nursery rhyme techniques that the Kenyans and other Africans use over the barriers.
Okay...time to watch the replay again.