Doesn't matter what the hell the conversion is... What's important is that he broke an NCAA Champion and Olympian 1500m specialists' school and stadium record by FIVE SECONDS. Just a small step for Diego in what will be a year for the books in the 5k/10k.
I've seen Estrada race a few times and I've been very impressed with his heart and toughness. His 4:04 at high altitude portends excellent results to follow.
The only reason I chafe at the conversion is that it distorts the mile rankings, which don't mean all that much, but that any obvious unfairness in the selection process for NCAA championships should be eliminated for the good of all. To me, a 9 second conversion is an obvious mistake.
It's not Estrada's doing, of course, so it's absolutely no reflection on him except to say that he put up a real strong race. He's a gutsy performer and my hat is off to him.
Yes... running that time in Flagstaff (whatever it might convert to) is something that a LOT of good milers never managed. It looks like Estrada is going to have a great year, based on this and the 5000 he ran shortly after cross ended. Wonder what he'd do for 3000 on the U Dub track?
They're crap... Here's more of my opinion: http://happyrunnings.blogspot.com/2012/01/tfrrs-altitude-conversions.html
^ looks like we've found a hater, doesn't get any better than this!