Agreed. I don't think we should change the American qualification system because I think it's the fairest way to do it, and it gives our athletes valuable experience performing in championship conditions, which they can leverage at the global championship level.
But we have to recognize it means Americans shouldn't be expected to travel overseas to run Diamond League meets so soon before the U.S. championships. There's nothing "lame" about Americans skipping a European meet two weeks before the start of the U.S. championships. Americans face cutthroat competition to make the U.S. team; they need to prepare for it accordingly.
I also see this 1500/mile season very differently than Hobbyhurdler. I actually think this has been the most exciting outdoor season in that event in recent memory. It's had a bit of everything:
- Fast times: 11 guys under 3:30 outdoors so far. That's already more than we had all of last year (8), and it matches the entire year for 2023.
- Down-to-the-wire racing: Eugene DL was won by 0.01, Rome DL was won by 0.03, and GST Philly was won by 0.07.
- The deepest mile in history (Bowerman Mile)
- Intriguing matchups such as Wanyonyi vs the 2024 Olympic medalists
- Surprise winners and top 3s
- Multiple winners across the season, rather than just 1 or 2 guys dominating
- Young talents leveling up such as Laros and Strand
- Good balance of non-paced tactical races and rabbited races with pacing lights
Having Jakob involved would certainly make things even better, but there's still been plenty of excitement without him.
Looking ahead to Tokyo, this event seems wide open. Rather than only having 3 or 4 top contenders, it's more like 6 to 8. It feels like anything can happen, and that ups the excitement level.
All that said, I hope Jakob gets well and we see him back on the track sooner than later.