Jenny has said she is done with the steeple.
I think the 5k would be interesting for her to do at the trials, but the 15 is her baby and maybe she can sneak more more medal if it's tactical (although probably not).
Jenny has said she is done with the steeple.
I think the 5k would be interesting for her to do at the trials, but the 15 is her baby and maybe she can sneak more more medal if it's tactical (although probably not).
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that Elle Purrier isn't a half-bad steeple runner herself. With her clear improvements over the flat races, might she be the one to make a go over the barriers if the 15/5 field looks too deep?
Simpson ran 3:58 last year why should she switch to an event she is nowhere near as good at.
Elle is a lock for the 5 if she pursues that event. Obviously no slouch in the 15 / mile either.
With the steeple you have two locks and another that is if she remains injury-free. The steeple isn't an easy team to make and btw, kinda sucks in general? I personally find the steeple fun but wouldn't want it to make it the focus of my competitive career.
Jo72 wrote:
As many others, I can hardly believe that Simpson would return to (injury prone) steeple after >10 years in her mid-30s. However, Grovdal returned to steeple in her late 20s, ran some strong times and got a European bronze, so it seems possible in principle. She'd certainly run around 9:20 without special preparation, so should one of the top 3 be injured early on in 2021 it would be a guaranteed spot. (and ca. 9:18 would also pretty much guarantee making the final in the Olympics) With her superior kick and tactics, she still has good chances in the flat distances. Her 5k seems weak but we don't know if this is for lack of affinity or lack of seriously trying. The US women field in the 5k are not quite as deep as the 1500m and with Houlihan probably preferring the 1500m, Frerichs certainly the steeple, there is only Schweizer clearly ahead. Purrier might also prefer the 1500m, Fraser and Cranny were good in TT type races but Simpson would probably beat them in most "real" 5k races.
Jenny wants another medal as she knows this is her last chance as it would a crowning achievement in her legacy. She doesn't care about just "making the team" and she has no chance to medal at 5k. It would be cool to see her give the steeple a serious shot but she would need to completely change her training and I just can't see it this late in her career.
The 1500 is still probably her best chance. Last year's WC final was the exception with a really fast time. The gold was won in 4:08 in 2016 and 4:04 in 2012. Except for last year the winning time in the WC has been 4:02 or slower. The odds against her medaling next year are certainly very low but there is always a shot in a tactical race.
ukathleticscoach wrote:
Simpson ran 3:58 last year why should she switch to an event she is nowhere near as good at.
I didn't start the thread and come up with that idea. I am pretty sure she will stick to the 1500m. But the Doha race where 3:58 only got her 8th place is an indication that her tactical skills will not get her as far as in earlier times.