The recency bias in many of the posts on this thread is next-level. Fisher closed with a 51 last lap in the Kingston 5k, also with a 25 last 200m. There is no evidence to suggest that Grant couldn’t have kicked with Nico. That said, Nico is clearly in great form and he’s an huge talent, so it would have been fun to watch them battle it out. I do think Nico could be a medal threat in the future if he stays healthy and trains consistently. But Fisher has proven that he’s the U.S.’s best bet for medals, and if he’s injured and/or has to back off of his training block during this crucial part of the season, that is a big problem.
I’m honestly surprised more people don’t seem worried about him pulling out. There is a tendency to downplay injuries at this point in the year. Plus, when distance runners feel something during warmups, they usually have been dealing with it in practice. I truly hope it is a minor issue and Fisher is just playing it safe. By the end of the season, no one will care how Fisher did in a 3k at the beginning of June.