Webb > Centro

OXYRUNR wrote:

Webb webb probably the most physically talented American MD runner since Jim Ryun.

Hobbs MFin Kessler.

Webb was more explosive than any 1500 runner in history even though he may not be the fastest.

not go wrote:

Webb was more explosive than any 1500 runner in history even though he may not be the fastest.

He definitely was explosive. Just gotta watch that 2005 final on the backstretch of the third lap..

Webb was kind of a joke -- had a few great races but generally looked like he had no clue what he was doing, had no idea how to peak for a championship race, had no tactics, etc. He would not make my Mt. Rushmore of US men milers (Lagat, Scott, Ryun, Centro).

Great points birdbeard2. I did feel sorry for Webb about 75% of the time after so many letdowns and bad races. He clearly showed his god given abilities at various points in his career..ie, that brutal 10K at Stanford that set him back for the rest of 2006. Great race that night, terrible strategy for his 2006 running year. American record in 2007 was in part due to his confidence earned with that 10K, but again, not a long term strategy.

On the whole, it was really bad coaching from his former HS coach, clearly out of his element on the world stage. Lost so many months and years from misguided training and choices of races. I really believe he made a huge career mistake by dropping out of Michigan and taking the easy route back to the HS coach. Perhaps it was the best decision for his personal happiness, but to go back to a HS coach and leave Ron Warhurst? Come on man...

not go wrote:

Webb was more explosive than any 1500 runner in history even though he may not be the fastest.

Have you seen Cole Hocker at the end of a race?

Remember the names Hocker and Kessler and we will talk again in 10 years.

Completely agree, umstead. Going back to Raczko was the greatest mistake of Webb's career. Yes, he got an AR out of it, but what a Pyrrhic victory.

Webb is hands down one of if not the most talented American milers, but that also makes him one of if not the greatest wastes of American miler talent.

Tamburlaine wrote:

Completely agree, umstead. Going back to Raczko was the greatest mistake of Webb's career. Yes, he got an AR out of it, but what a Pyrrhic victory.

Webb is hands down one of if not the most talented American milers, but that also makes him one of if not the greatest wastes of American miler talent.

No way. Going back to Raczko was a great move and got things going in the right direction.

1:43-27:20 and a 3:46.91... Bully for Webb!

khcglhc wrote:

By a large margin

Imagine Webb with super shoes

I thought that it would have been much closer

Imagine if Webb had Centro's tactical savvy and coolness under pressure at the biggest stage...

Imagine if Centro had Webb's physical abilities...

If you gave every man on earth the physical talents of Alan Webb, very few would be able to get it together: training, handling pressure, preparing for big races, interviews, relationships, etc

Mental is just as important as physical. And not many have it, and an even smaller few have the ability to stay composed every time they race and truly dominate. That's what special about the greats.

Imagine the pressure Usain Bolt, Michael Jordan, Mo Farah, Joe Montana, etc etc were under when they were expected to win and they did. Bolt was basically expected to win every race he ever competed in once he became a star...and he basically did.

That's not normal. Most people I know cave under the delicate pressure of a tight deadline at work or staying at work past 7 pm to get some stuff done for tomorrow's meeting.

Appreciate Webb's gifts. He ran his best mile, 1500m, and 800m within less than a month time span though, so his ability to consistently produce was very stunted.

Appreciate Centro's cool headedness. Dude competes and gets it done when it counts and has won a lot of important medals and USA championships.