Shorter was a 4-time national cross country champion. Was double Olympic Trials champion in the 10,000 and marathon twice. Medaled in the Olympics in two consecutive games. Won the Fukuoka Marathon 4 times when it was the best marathon in the world. Ranked #1 in the World 3 times at the marathon, ranked #2 in world at 10,000m 2 times. Competed regularly indoors at 2M and defeated Olympic medalist Rod Dixon at a distance that favored Dixon.
As detailed in the article, Young raced steeplechase 90% of his races and his highest Word Ranking was #4 once. He never world ranked at any other distance. Marathon star Shorter was even faster than Young over 5,000m. When Young raced distances other than the steeple it was only because he saw an opportunity (Olympic marathon at high altitude) or was tired of the lack of respect the steeple got.
Evan Jager has probably raced more at distances other than his specialty than Young and nobody would ever label him the "most complete American distance runner ever."