5000 heats

If it happens live I'm sure NBC will be showing Kerri Walsh and Misty May replays.

Teg beat little Bekele last year. My bet is that as long as Teg is there with 200 left he can kick with the best of them. He proved that last year. The problem is that K. Bekele and another african or two will probably start moving earlier. Thats where Teg will have to use that 1000 to go strategy that he keeps trying to pull on Lagat at the US champs. Either way, if you think Teg does not have a legit shot at the bronze, you are crazy.

Just looking at the tape, Lagat closed in 53.3 looking comfortable enough. I reckon Bekele and the other Ethiopians will ensure a decent pace. If they don't, they're leaving a lot to chance.

aahhh Bekele closed in 53 in the 10k. I personally don't think Lagat can outclass him, even in a slow race.

I'm pulling for Lagat, Teg and Cragg, and would prefer a Cragg victory, but there's no reason to think that's going to happen. Alistair would have to run a perfect race and have some luck.

Bekele is the man until someone proves otherwise, although if Lagat runs his race, he can beat him. Everyone else mentioned is a long shot.

I just hope Teg has been working on his dip at the finish line. Maybe since Christian Smith is out of the 800, he can give Teg a few pointers on diving across the line.

I like Cragg, but not having an automatic says that he could not sprint with those guys in the first heat, unlikely to medal, but a big step for him!

Teg, can finish top 6, but medal will be extremely tough; if Bekele pushes the pace early and some people try going with him, it will play into tegs hands!!!

That's women's track. Big difference.

Cragg has some speed, not Lagat's speed but probably more or at least as much as Teg. He won the 1500 at SEC's one year and I think Said was in that race.

I've just never thought he was great at running from behind. That's Teg's game. Alistair needs to dictate the race or at least be near the front with 800 meters left. Coach Mac likes his guys to run in front. But even then it's obviously no sure thing. I remember watching Teg track him down in the 3000 at a Tyson meet, something I'd never thought I'd see happen on his home track.

The thing is he's, what, a 13:08-12 kinda guy that's never broken 13. Lagat's run under 13. He's at a different level, a level Cragg has the talent to reach but hasn't.

I am also pulling for Allistar, although I don't think a medal is totally realistic.

I used to run for the same club as him way way, make that way back when, so he i would personally love to see him pull something out of his butt and do a Nick Willis.

If that. More likely competitive BMXing or something. I swear they're trying their hardest to make these Games suck maximally.And I'll never freakin use Claritin again. Shannon Miller talks like an automaton.

Wiscoman wrote:

If it happens live I'm sure NBC will be showing Kerri Walsh and Misty May replays.

What time (EDT) is the 5000m final?

Wow, you people must live a very sheltered life. Teg getting a medal?? Get real please. He'll be lucky to finish in the top 6.

Qualifiers include 2 Bekeles, Lagat, Cragg, Soi, Kipchoge, Cherkos and more.

At least 2-3 of those athletes will be defeated by Matt (and that puts him pretty close)

Tomii2Nutts wrote:

Wow, you people must live a very sheltered life. Teg getting a medal?? Get real please. He'll be lucky to finish in the top 6.

Qualifiers include 2 Bekeles, Lagat, Cragg, Soi, Kipchoge, Cherkos and more.

Well, I think Teg and Cragg are about at the same level. I used to think Alistair had more upside, but I'm not so sure about that any longer. Bekele could finish way out in front of these guys....won't be surprised if he just takes off and wins by a hefty margin.

8:10AM on Saturday Morning (EDT), 8:10PM Beijing. God only knows if NBC covers it live.