True, but time inflation (or - rather - deflation) is across the board from High school to college to pro. It’s extremely noticeable in mid-distace and longer. Shoes/tracks/better training - whatever it is, it’s very evident. If he (McSweyn) was in the same form, he’d be experiencing time deflation too. He just hasn’t quite reached the levels he used to be at pre his heart issue. Still, I think he’s excellent. Would love to see him win something. He’s a very gutsy runner.
I don’t think much has changed from 2021-2024 in the M1500 in the sense that Stewy should automatically be faster. He isn’t alone in staying around the same level and getting passed by the field (Mechaal similar situation).
Agree to disagree here. You said it yourself - way more around 3.30-31 now than there used to be. Those guys were all 3.33-35 runners before. Not all will benefit (eg. Mechaal), but it’s hard to ignore the mass of people now running much faster than before (discussed ad nauseum on these boards too). I personally think Stewie has been affected by his heart issue in the longer term. Again, happy to be wrong. It’s hard to be an elite runner if you’ve had a serious heart issue, and he’s done amazingly to get back to where he is.
McGee, Norris, Johnson (seems not in form this year sadly),
Also maybe Cranny.
tier 1 - esp
tier 2 - hiltz, Mackay, maclean, Johnson
tier 3 - Wiley, cranny, jones
I can agree with that, but put Wiley in tier 2 since her PB is better than Hiltz, Mackey, and Jones, and since she’s way younger than everyone else meaning probably still improving
Agree to disagree here. You said it yourself - way more around 3.30-31 now than there used to be. Those guys were all 3.33-35 runners before. Not all will benefit (eg. Mechaal), but it’s hard to ignore the mass of people now running much faster than before (discussed ad nauseum on these boards too). I personally think Stewie has been affected by his heart issue in the longer term. Again, happy to be wrong. It’s hard to be an elite runner if you’ve had a serious heart issue, and he’s done amazingly to get back to where he is.
So the spikes, tracks and races are the same. Unless you’re saying drugs, I’m not sure what you’re theorizing is the difference that only Stewy/Mechaal aren’t benefiting from. For me it’s easy to see the event is just in a talent boom.
That was so annoying how they showed the finish of the men's steeplechase. You saw the winner cross the line then the rest of it from half of the stadium away? There were some brilliant close finishes I would've loved to have seen properly, just because they're not the literal #1 finisher doesn't mean they're not important or a great part of the race to watch.
Nice PB for Samuel Firewu at 8:05.78. Beamish @ 8:14.7 can be construed as disappointing, but it’s only a second off his PB and some may have been getting ahead of themselves thinking he could run a massive PB in his first steeple of the year. Bor went for it and faded to 8:15, but he definitely looks like a virtual lock for the U.S. team.
Woof. Not even close. Another hit for the OAC fan boys.
The third placer is a Tunisian Jhinaoui who just ran 8:10 NR/PB with a great kick to beat Wale. 7:37 3K PB, though he comes into the race seasoned (3rd Steeple of the year). Geordie had to be taking down these sorts of guys with some room to spare because right now you have the big 2, Sime and probably at least Wale and 3 Kenyans in 8:08 or faster shape. Not all of them are going to blow up.
Agree to disagree here. You said it yourself - way more around 3.30-31 now than there used to be. Those guys were all 3.33-35 runners before. Not all will benefit (eg. Mechaal), but it’s hard to ignore the mass of people now running much faster than before (discussed ad nauseum on these boards too). I personally think Stewie has been affected by his heart issue in the longer term. Again, happy to be wrong. It’s hard to be an elite runner if you’ve had a serious heart issue, and he’s done amazingly to get back to where he is.
So the spikes, tracks and races are the same. Unless you’re saying drugs, I’m not sure what you’re theorizing is the difference that only Stewy/Mechaal aren’t benefiting from. For me it’s easy to see the event is just in a talent boom.
Boring discussion. 2021 was Covid. Spikes definitely different from before Covid. I don’t think it’s a sudden ‘talent boom’, but maybe you are correct.
interested to see how Bol stacks up to McLaughlin’s 52.7.