Hocker looked great. Best of the qualifiers. Made 3:34.5 look fairly easy.
I'd agree that he is in sub 3:30 shape. Impressive run.
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I agree. Hocker wasn't worrying about his competition as he was sending A LITTLE message overseas, I'm coming. I think he will be a little more conservative in the semi and go for it in the final. When you know you in the form of your life and internationally no one's talking about you, send a message that your coming...
I could not disagree more. VIPAM, always like your stuff, BUT... Number 1? Nobody any good gives a sh-t what any American does. And Hocker is hardly worried about sending any message to guys who could care less, it just makes no sense. Hocker ran this race one way, and when no body bothered to press him on the fractions and just gave the spot away, it looks more dominant, nothing more nothing less. Hocker is not in the business of doing anything but qualifying, the best and easiest way as he sees it. My own guess, is as Scotty said he is way more fit and sharp now that 3:34.55 off the gas is how easy that is. It is certainly a different look for him, but I also thought he just looked better, everything about his style and form. Getting out of trouble and never getting any real chasers? Just came easier than I bet he even though! LOL.
Hocker’s much improved this year and Nuguse seems to have stagnated. I think Hocker wins the final.
It does look like Hocker will be better than ever this year. We have no way of knowing if Nuguse is stagnating, since he hasn't run an important race this season.
I doubt that 3:34 took too much out of Hocker, based on the way he looked. Should be a good semi and a great final.