I'm in my mid 30s and didn't realize there used to be a qualifying round in the olympic 10,000m up until Sydney 2000 Olympics (since I started really following track sometime in high school). I guess the prelim and final were spaced out over a longer period? I'm guessing the 5000 ; 10000 double was never a thing back then? surely gebrselassie could have had a real shot at the double and added even further to his legacy. when was it decided that having a prelim 10000m would be too tough...though I do agree that it is pretty tough...the marathon would take on a completely different complexion if there was a qualifying marathon on the first day of the olympics! hahah. who wins that current day from the list of marathoners. I still say kipchoge but maybe people prepare for a completely different event (double marathon) and there are those better suited.