I guess we all should've seen a fast time for Nico, but beating such a stacked field shows that he is a serious medal contender in the 5k at worlds. If he stays healthy, I could see him beating Fisher at USAs in the 5k and maybe even the 10k.
This is exciting for more reasons than just times. The technology is a (roughly) level playing field. (Exceptions include Rupp's 2016 shoes, but I don't think that applies here.) If two Americans had gone 1-7 in a Golden League 20 years ago, and if that didn't even include our top guy, and if that winner had set an arguably-not-even-AR, it would have been similarly exciting.
This post was edited 23 seconds after it was posted.
I didn't see the race live -- but just looking at the splits, this seems to be a better performance than Fisher's indoor WR. Running 4400-4800 in 55.26 off a 12:45 race is podium-level
Apples to oranges! Fisher ran the whole thing solo though of course he had the BU track and windless conditions. Young had to make moves and run in a less evenly-paced race, and then crushed everyone. I'd give it a better performance, but time-trialing and pushing on by yourself isn't easy either.
Also it wasn't a 12:45 race until he closed hard so in reality he's closing 1:53 or whatever in a 12:54 race
And I don't think he was using the latest superspikes. I first noticed it at the 3k last week, but I'm pretty sure he's been using the previous generation of the Adidas Ambition, which notably don't have full length plates/rods. Obviously it works for him, maybe the newest versions aren't worth as much as we think?
Nico Young goes from dark horse to medal favorite! He can hang with a fast pace. He has a monster kick. And the 5000 probably isn't even his best event. Is Grant Fisher still our best 5k/10 guy?
Considering Grant has faster times and more accolades I think you know that answer.
We're clearly in a new era and yes, the record books are being rewritten. But if you think this excitement is just about the time on the clock, you're missing the essence of racing. This is particularly exciting because we have some home-grown talent winning against some of the world's best, and on a big stage.