Is Centrowitz Overrated?

Precious Roy wrote:

I actually think that he is over coached. He looks way too concerned about maintaining flawless form all the way through the final sprint. He needs to learn to be able to open it up and let it all hang out in the last 200m. He needs to find more energy deep down when closing out a race.

Yes, because I'm sure the best sprint coaches will tell you that the best way to find more energy and run faster is to say that hell with form and just let your arms and legs flail where they may. Great coaching advice!

Precious Roy wrote:

I actually think that he is over coached. He looks way too concerned about maintaining flawless form all the way through the final sprint. He needs to learn to be able to open it up and let it all hang out in the last 200m. He needs to find more energy deep down when closing out a race. I think he has more in the tank, but is afraid to go there.

His medal finishes and top placings at Diamond League events are arguably "best of the rest" titles. But before Centro and Leo, the US had gone for a very, very long time without having a "best of the rest" medalist. So, Centro is a big deal. He may never touch Asbel. But who can?

I know what you mean, the way he looked at the end of that 2:17 1k last year, that's what he should look like at the end of his races

Repeated luck is what is called skill. Centro hasn't just gotten lucky for the past 5 years.

And the person who said he was not going to win anymore medals is probably the same person last year who said he wasnt going to win anymore medals.

All that being said, indoors just doesnt count.

I can agree with most of the points in OP's claim. He doesn't have amazing top end speed. This race showed that. Holusa and Andrews were going much faster than him in the last 50. But the difference between them is Centro's brain. He always knows when to make the move in a tactical race and always stays out of danger. I think his favorite spot is the line between 1 and 2 and on the shoulder of the leader. But running 3:50 indoors off of a slow first half is a good indicator of future PR ability. It just can't be a hammer from the gun type affair because he can't hang with the head honchos early. If the first lap is slighty slower, he can get into a good position and then roll towards a PR. I think the 2015 World 1500 race was a fluke and he likely wont be in a lot of championship races like that. I think it's very rare that the Kenyans get their shit together and organize as a team towards their own benefit. More often than not it's slow until the K or 1200, which is obviously Centro's best race now.

It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning.