He ran 3:34 off of about 5 weeks training at PTF. He just ran close to 3:32 flat running tactically awfully. It’s weird to say he’s a 3:34 guy unless you think his base state is running either completely undertrained or in lane 3 when fit. It is fair to say being a 3:31-32 guy in this era gets you nothing, though. For those who believe in Hocker, it’s in his top-end speed (12.2 in a 3:35 race) and shifting abilities (seen in the Tokyo rounds). But if he is to succeed in this era he needs to get to 3:29 fitness and finish like he did in 2021.
It's weird to say he's a 3:31 guy when it's a time he's run once in his career, two years ago
You’re right it’s so weird to refer to people’s PR as what they’re capable of.
I typically provide a weighted average of the last 7.3 races I’ve run over the past 27.2 months, don’t you?
Weird argument on this thread between posters just trying to say “He botched the tactics and still ran 3:32.14, not the end of the world,” and guys sneering back “Are you delusional?—he’ll never be the best in the world AND HE TOTALLY SUCKS!”
Well Coal currently sits 26th in the world for this year. Just in front of Hoobs and Copper.
Making the final could be tough.
See, people keep saying this like it’s some revelatory observation.
THOUGHTSLEADER, who’s taken unfair heat in this thread, didn’t rank Hocker top-20 as of 6 days ago:
Criteria: Who I favor to win in the next race taking into account recent form, race dynamics and pedigree.Tier 1 -Massive Favorite:1. Jakob (Last Ranked: 1) - 3:27.14 puts him in a different class altogether even if his bigge...
A few months ago Hocker was MIA and people were on the verge of forgetting about him until further notice. I haven’t seen many people seriously overhyping him since, but his return/trajectory has been pretty solid and encouraging. Only 13th yesterday and not a favorite to make the WC final, but just .85 behind 5th yesterday with a month until Worlds, so he could get there.
I guess I must have missed all the people picking Hocker to place top 5-8 at Worlds this year that some seem to be arguing with. Or maybe the crux of the argument is that some people think if Hocker makes the Worlds semis and runs 3:31 or sub-3:50 after Worlds that’s a decent season, while some feel the need to sh_t on him for that.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
Hocker wanted to get out hard and get a position on the rail but watch the very beginning of the race when the gun goes off. Hocker got elbowed by Habz which prevented him from getting out hard to the front. He could’ve went straight to the back but going to the back won’t make him competitive in a fast paced race. I’m sure Hocker learned a lot from this race and will use this experience to get ready for Budapest.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
What's not to like?
Finished behind the Wisconsin freshman from OZ, who took the race at the last minute, and ran a 5 second PR
So when the top three run 10m longer or more you're just going to ignore that? Half the field ran extra distance. It's time for you to stop pretending to be a "thoughts leader"
You're acting like he ran 3:36 or something; 3:32 is plenty solid for where he is in his progression at the moment. Give the guy a little time to sharpen up at least; good lord.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
What's not to like?
Finished behind the Wisconsin freshman from OZ, who took the race at the last minute, and ran a 5 second PR
Yep, the goose and international young guns are all running out of their skin to be more competitive while the Americans are content with SBs and posting selfies on social media.
Exactly. Nearly fell and went wide several times. Would easily have equaled his 3:31.4 PR.
Sounds like a very poor tactician... got thrown around by the big kids and had to settle for the crumbs. We need guys hauling in national records and being in contention for the win.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
What's not to like?
Ponytail?
And Wazzu's point #4 was broken after one race in the last year or so.
Sounds like a very poor tactician... got thrown around by the big kids and had to settle for the crumbs. We need guys hauling in national records and being in contention for the win.
I mean yeah he ran a tactically crap race. Nuguse is the better bet this year running 3:29.0 and winning USAs/London DL. But Hocker has gotten 6th at the Olympics, and navigated the big kids then just fine.
1. Returning from injury 2. Only 22 3. Trending in the right direction. 3:32 pretty damn good. 4. Makes himself available to the media even after a "bad" race. 5. In his mind, he expected to compete for the win.
What's not to like?
Finished behind the Wisconsin freshman from OZ, who took the race at the last minute, and ran a 5 second PR
Wisconsin Freshman cleverly disguises the fact that they are essentially the same age. Hocker has been a pro for 2 years already and is less than 4 months older than this freshman.
No, they're giving YOU a hard time for glazing a 13th placer for running a couple meters longer than the winners..
Guess what? You run less meters when you are good enough to race in the front. Hocker races like a high schooler, sitting back and expecting to outkick everyone.
Isn’t the idea that he ran near a PR despite running 10+ extra meters, and being behind in training?
Sounds like a very poor tactician... got thrown around by the big kids and had to settle for the crumbs. We need guys hauling in national records and being in contention for the win.
I mean yeah he ran a tactically crap race. Nuguse is the better bet this year running 3:29.0 and winning USAs/London DL. But Hocker has gotten 6th at the Olympics, and navigated the big kids then just fine.
That was a time trial and there is no medal for 6th. all he had to do was settle in the pack and run fast. No thinking.
No, they're giving YOU a hard time for glazing a 13th placer for running a couple meters longer than the winners..
Guess what? You run less meters when you are good enough to race in the front. Hocker races like a high schooler, sitting back and expecting to outkick everyone.
Isn’t the idea that he ran near a PR despite running 10+ extra meters, and being behind in training?
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