Grant Fisher has the substantially faster PB, so discounting him seems a bit strange. Kerr’s finish would be a huge asset in a slow race but is that what we’ll get? They are targeting 8:03.4. Let’s also note that Cooper Teare appears to be in great shape and his XC win is more impressive than Josh’s downhill half. I wouldn’t dismiss him at all in this race. Beamish running 13:04 also makes him dangerous. So this race will be competitive, favoring Josh if over 8:05 with Beamish right there. If it’s fast I’d lean Fisher and Teare.
I was wrong, but a tad underwhelmed by Grant (not the time, the lack of a kick), though in fairness he did a lot of work. Do think he needs to work on that aspect, when he is not just chasing. Kerr ran great though.
I think Fisher ran a good race. The question was always going to be whether Kerr had the strength to go the distance. Based on his previous 5ks and even that 3000 last year (7:34), I thought Fisher could burn him off. Fisher can improve his kick, but it will never be at the same level as that of a 3:29/1:44 1500 World Champion. That's why I don't think he can ever win gold over 5k with all the 1500 guys now stepping up, but he can still get a minor medal. The 10k might even offer a (slim) chance at gold.
I think Kerr is being sold a bit short for that performance yesterday. He's paying for not showing up at Pre, which set many on the LRC board against him. But 8 flat for the 2-mile is a stunning performance. He talked big and backed it up. He looks like he's gone up a level this year.
Grant and Josh both ran really well, but without Fischer Josh likely wouldn’t have gotten the record. and had their positions been switched, it may have been Fischer with the winning kick.
Grant and Josh both ran really well, but without Fischer Josh likely wouldn’t have gotten the record. and had their positions been switched, it may have been Fischer with the winning kick.
I would also say that without Kerr, Fisher wouldn't have got the national record. It takes two people who are committed to the pace in order to achieve amazing times. It's not like Fisher was breaking the wind for Kerr so the effect of having someone pushing on his shoulder would have been worth quite a lot to Fisher. I'm not denying that Kerr caught a good ride at Millrose, but it took both to commit to make it a great race.