Definitely. I refer you to the 1:55 he ran at altitude at the end of that monster workout leading up to the BU 5k. He is in 3:50 shape. If he enters into the 3k at Nats he’s winning.
He’s going to get either the 3k or 5k. If not he will not win an outdoor NCAA title in my opinion. Blanks was dominations all of these guys and injuries are part of the sport but this is Nicos time. He will turn pro this summer.
And one other thing. Say what you want about Mike Smith, but what an absolute brilliant move to put Nico in the 3k instead of the 5k at BU. it was obvious Graham blanks and Ky Robinson had taken over the top spots in distance running and blanks would have most likely beat him badly again in that race. The 3k seemed to get his mojo back. Now I think he wins one of the two this weekend.
And one other thing. Say what you want about Mike Smith, but what an absolute brilliant move to put Nico in the 3k instead of the 5k at BU. it was obvious Graham blanks and Ky Robinson had taken over the top spots in distance running and blanks would have most likely beat him badly again in that race. The 3k seemed to get his mojo back. Now I think he wins one of the two this weekend.
I think Mike Smith is a brilliant coach. I don’t think Blanks was losing to anyone at that BU December 5k but in hindsight I’d like Nico for 2nd (~13:05). He had a super impressive double between winning the 3k in 7:37 with a big kick and then running 13:22 to win the 2nd heat easily like 2 hours later. It’s clear to me that his finish at XC Nats wasn’t representative of his fitness at that point.
And one other thing. Say what you want about Mike Smith, but what an absolute brilliant move to put Nico in the 3k instead of the 5k at BU. it was obvious Graham blanks and Ky Robinson had taken over the top spots in distance running and blanks would have most likely beat him badly again in that race. The 3k seemed to get his mojo back. Now I think he wins one of the two this weekend.
I think Mike Smith is a brilliant coach. I don’t think Blanks was losing to anyone at that BU December 5k but in hindsight I’d like Nico for 2nd (~13:05). He had a super impressive double between winning the 3k in 7:37 with a big kick and then running 13:22 to win the 2nd heat easily like 2 hours later. It’s clear to me that his finish at XC Nats wasn’t representative of his fitness at that point.
I think you are making my point. Nico was either injured or just in a funk all of track and somewhat in XC. He clearly was running better than his teammate Bosley but I think Blanks just went on a serious hot streak. I still don’t think Graham gets the credit for how good of a run he was on. He destroyed everyone from September until BU. It wasn’t close. I agree Nico was probably not in great form at UVA but something seemed to click right after the 3k at BU. I think it took all the pressure off. That’s why I give Mike Smith a ton of credit. It is crazy that with all that talent from the class of 2020 it’s Graham Blanks and Nico Young are the top guys.