It's also important to keep in mind that teenage physical development is NOT uniform. Some kids physically mature a lot earlier than others. Look at the names of America's high school athletics record holders. How many high-school record holders went on to become the best of the best as adults?
That was a fun era. The Coe/Ovett rivalry. Track was more popular and most people had an opinion on which one they liked better.
I liked Ovett- he seemed more down to earth and like a guy I would be friends with. I also liked his touch of arrogance.
My GF at the time hated him and liked Coe because he seemed like a real gentleman.
My innate understanding of women tells me that your GF at the time had she been given the choice would have hooked up with Ovett even though she said she hated him. That is the way of things with women.