Jakob actually split the fastest last 1k (2:23 or so) because he left himself so far back.
If that's right, it makes him a danger. He's got a race under his belt and not many in the field are capable of a 2:23 final km. Gold might be tough but there's medal potential there imo
Huh? Everyone who qualified for the final from his heat split 2:23-low to 2:25.00 for the last K; Valentin Soca at 2:23.18 actually split fractionally quicker than Jakob for 5th. Lots of guys can split 2:23 in such a slow race.
I’ve been arguing that Jakob’s in better shape than many inferred from his 1500 heat, and I think closing in 2:23.4 and 4:58.4 for the last 2k backs that up—but nothing about that prelim run suggests he’s a medal threat. It seems like he’ll do well to place top-8.
As with Kerr it looks to me like Keeley is having to work quite hard
Final might be close
I feel better about Keely. She was looking at the board to make sure it was ok before easing up. The thing about Keely is that she's the only woman out there that can go through in 57 and then run a 57.5 or 58 for the second lap. Anyone else who goes through in 57 comes home in 60.
Got to say that 800 heats and semis on consecutive days is stupid. Not as bad as Paris last year where they had the semis and final on consecutive days, but still not good. The men got a rest day between every round