Breaking: Kenenisa Bekele OFFICIALLY off Ethiopian Olympic squad. Laura Muir and Elle Purrier get big boost as Tsegay opts for 5

Passant wrote:

JBaller33 wrote:

7. Rababe Arafi

She is at least 9 years finalist of almost all finals but never medalist.

Someone yesterday, said that she lack confidence.

It will difficult for us to find a freak like Hasna Benhassi:

https://aujourdhui.ma/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hasna-benhassi-je-pense-que-jai-le-droit-detre-malade.jpg

Arafi has been remarkably consistent over the last 9 years. She's basically been a 1:58 to 2:01 800 meter runner and a 4:00 to 4:04 1,500 meter runner every single season. Maybe she can sneak into the medals in a weakened field? I doubt it, but I do think she is a good bet for the finals. Also, from what I've heard, she is very well-liked on the Diamond League circuit and a lot of runners wouldn't mind seeing her medal.

JBaller33 wrote:

Based on the list of who will be in the 1,500, the following is the world power rankings in the 1,500:

1. Faith Kipyegon

2. Laura Muir

3. Gabriela Debues-Stafford

4. Freweyni Hailu

5. Elinor Purrier St Pierre

6. Winny Chebet

7. Rababe Arafi

8. Linden Hall

Those are the only women with sub-4:00 qualifying times, and I think it will take sub-4:00 to medal. You have to think that Faith Kipyegon is a heavy favorite for gold now and Laura Muir is a heavy favorite for one of the other medals. Any of 3-6 seem like a good bet for one of the other medals. Then, Arafi and Hall are good runners, but not quite sure if they are medal contenders. Honestly, this is one of the weaker events in the Olympic program this year.

Purrier silver. I'd have Muir there but she's being an idiot and doing the 800. Means she has 800 heats Friday, then semis next day. Day off, 1500 heats, 800 final, 1500 semis, day off, 1500 final.

Friday to Friday she has six races. I don't see her being able to take that schedule and still stay ahead of Purrier in a fast race.

Wildcards - F Hailu and GDS. Hailu did 3:57 which is no joke but also had pace lights. Also doesn't have much big race experience.GDS is mirroring her 2019 season with consistent 4:00 races but not having the top gear. Question is if she peaks like in 2019 too or stays in general 4:00 shape.

dogman5 wrote:

BRO, FUUCCCK that, I am not turning the marathon on anymore. literally only cared about the bekele eulid battle

They don't deserve him. Not at all.

Hopefully not a single Ethiopian medals this year/

He should run for another country

Sounds about right. I'm a huge fan of Muir, she'll never have a better chance of winning a global medal, maybe even a gold if Kipyegon messes up somehow. Doing the 800 takes her down from an extremely high chance of winning a medal, to something more like. 50/50 prospect. Now that Tsegay has committed to the 5000, Muir should withdraw from the 800 and let someone like Adelle Tracey into the British team

I don’t know that you can really say he’s getting screwed. Yes, he’s run two near-WRs, but in between he’s had multiple DNFs and DNSs. His ceiling is as high as anyone, even Kipchoge, but he’s also wildly inconsistent. Also, the trials race was announced ahead of time as how they were going to select the team, and he was not in shape or chose not to run.

Adam Tolson wrote:

This is very upsetting news for marathon fans. I can’t imagine how Bekele is feeling right now. Has there ever been a top runner that has been screwed over more than bekele by his own country?

Wilson Kipketer.

This is obviously a total sham and the decision has nothing to do with sending the best team of marathoners.

It's about inane Ethiopian ethnic politics. Kenenisa is a hero to the Oromo people who are being terribly oppressed by the current government. This regime does not want to give the Oromo another moment of visibility like Lelisa Desisa did.

That makes no sense though because they have an Oromo president now. Right now it’s the Tigrays that are getting f’ed. Also Kitata, Desisa and Lemma are all Oromo so why would they be on the team if it was ethnic reasons. Also, Kenenisa is a hero to all Ethiopians and not just Oromo.

what?? wrote:

That makes no sense though because they have an Oromo president now. Right now it’s the Tigrays that are getting f’ed. Also Kitata, Desisa and Lemma are all Oromo so why would they be on the team if it was ethnic reasons. Also, Kenenisa is a hero to all Ethiopians and not just Oromo.

+1

I have no idea why Muir is running 800. The starts are aligning for her to have her best shot at a medal. Hassan, Taegay, and Houlihan all out. Having an extra 3 800 in her legs will hurt. I guess the Olympics is the year to double but still.

Kipyegon clear fav. If Muir runs the 800m, Purrier St Pierre and GDS have heavy shots at a medal. I think Hailu could spoil. Chebet is consistent, but hasn’t wowed me this year.

Does anyone know if Banana Bread is OK and who broke the news to him?

Concern for the bread wrote:

Does anyone know if Banana Bread is OK and who broke the news to him?

Asking the real questions. Tbh I'm also devastated to miss out on the actual GOAT racing. Lets hope he gets the WR in the fall, for his and Banana Breads sake.

British X wrote:

I have no idea why Muir is running 800. The starts are aligning for her to have her best shot at a medal. Hassan, Taegay, and Houlihan all out. Having an extra 3 800 in her legs will hurt. I guess the Olympics is the year to double but still.

Kipyegon clear fav. If Muir runs the 800m, Purrier St Pierre and GDS have heavy shots at a medal. I think Hailu could spoil. Chebet is consistent, but hasn’t wowed me this year.

Does anyone know why Laura is opting for the 800 in addition to the 1500? Is Tsegay also running the 10k in addition to the 5 like Hassan?

Banana Bead must be home devastated.