their domination across multiple distances and surfaces in the modern era is unparalleled
3.) Said Aouita and Eliud Kipchoge
First man to run sub 7:30, first to run sub 13 minutes, debut at 10000m less than 10 seconds of WR, next year medaled in Olympic 800m. ONLY ATHLETE to medal in both 800m and 5000m in any Olympics in their career in the modern era
E. Kipchoge's record speaks for itself
WOMEN'S
1 ) Tirunesh Dibaba multiple World X Golds in short and long course, double Olympic and World Olympic Gold, sub 2:20 marathon without super shoes, 3 time Olympic 10000m medalists
2. Faith Kipyegon her record speaks for itself
3.) Ingrid Kristenson she was the first modern runner to show versatility. Holding WR in the 5000, 10000m, and marathon at the same time. World X Country Champion and track World Champion
Ingrid Kristiansen (her maiden name was Kristensen, but she married a guy named Kristiansen).
Kenenisa Bekele.....I dont think its particularly close either. He turns 42 in June and may very well be on his way to ANOTHER olympic games while still posting some of the best Marathon times in the world
11 world XC titles, 5 world championship titles, 3 olympic titles, didnt lose a 10k race for 8 YEARS, held the WR for both 5k and 10k, along with a handful of major marathon wins...no one else has even close to such a dominant resume across so many distances.
A lot of interesting elements in your post. And as a Norwegian I like that you include Ingrid Kristiansen (her maiden name was Kristensen, but she married a guy named Kristiansen). -She bettered Joan Benoit’s 2 year old WR by 1min 37 sec in 1985. But she was really angry at her self afterwards (despite holding the marathon WR then for 13 years -before it was bettered in 1998 by 19 sec) -could have run significantly faster if she hadn’t been scared and confused by how fast it went in that solo race…
I have to write a teaser / provocation to guys like ObjectiveObserver who holds Jakob as a future Goat:
If Jakob doesn’t come back (and progressing) he, IMO, will be inferior to:
1. Ingrid Kristiansen -WR’s in the main events 5000/10000m +marathon. Track W Champion, xc W Champ.
2. Grete Waitz - WR marathon, W champ marathon, 5x W champ xc, 9 New York marathon wins.
3. Karsten Warholm -WR’s 400mh, Olympic champ, 3 x W champ.
Future: May be surpassed by Nordås -both when it comes to medals and times in 1500, 5000, 10000m and half marathon. May be surpassed by Ingvaldsen -times quality and medals in the 400m.
Sum: The big mouth Jakob Ingebrigtsen (no harm in that; Ingrid Kristiansen is a big mouth too, which I kind of like) will not be the athletics or distance Goat. And he will maybe only be the number 6 Goat in Norway -in running… (I have placed him -slightly- ahead of 800m Olympic champ Vebjørn Rodal, despite that the latter also broke the Olympic record, and regulary had to face the stellar Wilson Kipketer)…
So Jakob has a lot of unploughed ground to cover to even be a National Goat contender…
I don´t think you can provoke me Curious Dude!
If Jakob doesn´t come back it is obvious that he never can become the Goat.
If he does come back and overcomes his injury problems I maintain he has a chance to be the middle and long distance Goat. I, like many others, consider K. Bekele to be the undisputed Goat at the moment.
I have years ago predicted Jakob will take all the current WRs from 1500m to 10000m and I still believe this if he can continue his long term mainly aerobic training which will help him improve further over the coming years.
With these reservations I also think he will take many more OG and WC medals, including golds.
But to dethrone Bekele he has also need to do something to neutralize Bekele´s many X country golds and Marathon performances.
It could HM wins, wins in the road racing WC and perhaps some X country wins. It will be very difficult but a healthy Jakob is the only current runner who has a chance in my opinion.
John Wesley Harding09/26/2020 9:27pm EDT5 years ago
Hello friends. I have been noodling over life’s big questions, such as who are the top 100 men’s middle and long distance (800-marathon) runners of the last 75 years. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. First, one honorable...
And everyone forgets this poor guy. Two, useless, Olympic Boycotts. No World Championships back then. It's likely the boycotts contributed to his alcohol problems.
I've been pondering the age-old question in distance running: Who deserves the title of the greatest distance runner of all time? With so many incredible athletes to choose from across different eras and disciplines, it's a topic that can ignite some passionate debates. Whether it's the legendary dominance of athletes like Haile Gebrselassie, the enduring legacy of Emil Zátopek, or the modern-day marvels like Eliud Kipchoge, there's no shortage of candidates. But who, in your opinion, truly stands out as the greatest and why? Is it their world records, their Olympic performances, their impact on the sport, or a combination of factors that sets them apart? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic. Let's dive into this debate and celebrate the incredible achievements of distance runners from around the world. Share your pick for the greatest distance runner and the reasons behind your choice. It's bound to be an exciting discussion!
Bernard Lagat.
Few people can surprise people on the Olympic stage, then later qualify for the trials as a master with a final kick and then medal again in the Olympics and then set a masters record at Carlsbad. He ran a 13:41 in his 40s.
There's never been a scandal about Lagat.
And the kicker for me is that he never changed his routine between Kenya and the US and kept his talent (and because I respect the Japanese diet, and the Japanese in general, I think his wife helped).
There will be faster and more decorated, but for me, it's Lagat.
Idk if anyone has corrected this yet but his wife is not Japanese. She's Chinese-Canadian.
Nurmi. Unquestionably. Another poster listed four reasons, including his unsurpassed gold medal count (nine). But also, his dominance. 1924 he won 1500, 5k, and cross-country at the same Games.
Also..."Nurmi had hoped to defend his 10,000m title, but Finnish officials, fearing for his health, refused to enter him in the event. Back in Finland, an angry Nurmi made his point by setting a 10,000m world record that would last for almost 13 years."
And the Swedish IAAF Chair banned Nurmi for being "professional" to prevent him contesting the 1932 Games. So he was unfairly denied participation and further medal-winning oppo. Demi-Fuehrer Avery Brundage - as Edstrom's ally - was "active in banning Nurmi."
This exemplifies why I have contempt for sports politicos.
Help us build the best running shoe review site for a chance to win a LetsRun t-shirt.Help us build the best running shoe review site for a chance to win one of 10 LetsRun t-shirts.