From Jakob (9/19) to Coe (9/29) to Kipchoge (11/5).
There is an unusually large number of leading endurance athletes with autumnal birthdays – and there is an explanation for it.
The theory is that athletes born in autumn will be among the oldest in their year at school. This means they will be more developed than many of their rivals in age-group competitions and, in some cases, almost an entire year older, which is a significant advantage during puberty.
The consequences are that the older and well-developed kids will enjoy more success. They will therefore be more likely to persist with the sport, could end up with more confidence than younger athletes and, crucially, could gain early advantages such as being picked for regional squads and so on.
Do you agree? I think it's hogwash but don't have any evidence to show this is fake news.