It staggers me that anyone can’t root for this guy.
He basically carried Oregon on his back for 5 years, winning multiple national titles at the sane meets against people the same age who were only running one event. Some of his titles were also when he chose to do relay events as well to help the team.
He turned down Nike and was his own man choosing Sketchers. Yes he probably got a great contract, but he earned it based on the previous 5 years. Imagine the hatred if he joined NOP.
He has chosen an unknown and unproven coach and is training on his own in Flagstaff rather than choosing the easier option of joining a Bowerman or OTC group, with more established coaches and training partners...and he’s crushing it so far, despite being injured during the summer and autumn.
He’s waiting on US citizenship which is preventing him going to US or World championships now, rather than probably an easier option of Kenya at 5/10k based on recent performances v his current form.
The fact he’s gone with Haas, is crushing it at altitude largely alone (albeit with a few local runners based on social media) and is going balls to the wall in all his races this year should turn anyone into a believer.
Whether he breaks 3.50 or doesn’t, the fact he’s going got it and probably has a real shot says it all.