Amina Maatoug Will Have a BETTER Running Career Than Katelyn Tuohy

I would be extremely surprised. Tuohy is less than a year older and has been better than Maatoug at every age level. That's the aspect I always prioritize. Late bloomers do happen but it's unwise to speculate that way. Tuohy also has the foundational advantage because she found her 1500+ sweet spot early while Maatoug has primarily been an 800 specialist until this year. She self evaluated about a year ago and told a Dutch radio interviewer that she would likely move up to 1500 because her kick was good at that distance but nothing special at 800.

You are correct that Maatoug is very smart. She studied philosophy in English while still going to school the Netherlands. She speaks English with no hint of a Dutch accent. I suspect the family must have spoken English at home. Given her smarts I'm not sure Maatoug will be at Duke beyond spring 2024, even though she is listed as a sophomore in terms of eligibility.

I follow Dutch athletics fairly closely, partially because there are lots of YouTube videos posted within hours after local meets and also because results and schedules are easy access at

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The generation slightly younger than Bol at current age 19-22 is not overly talented, especially on the women's side. Maatoug is probably the best runner right now. Britt Weerman the high jumper is better, and Sofie Dokter the multi athlete. The generation younger than that shows considerably more promise, led by newly 18 middle distance runner Niels Laros and a flock of 15-16 year old female 200-800 types like Zoe van Gils, Maud de Jong and Madelief van Leur. The national coach Laurent Meuwly is no fool. He already follows those youngsters on social media, takes pictures with them, and invites them to short camps at Papendal where they go through the battery of tests and train alongside the national team.

Maatoug did not benefit from any of that, as far as I know. She had limited coaching until arriving at Duke. In fact, she said it was the first time she had access to a coach every day. Meuwly realized Netherlands had lots of kids involved in youth athletics but they weren't being provided the ideal path toward development. Now he gets them going early.

Nice post very thorough. Is your guess that Maatoug goes back to Europe to run in the club / pro system there, or she just moves on to a career?

With the extra COVID yr, she could probably complete a free Masters at Duke, or as a transfer at another excellent school. She's also a perfect OAC pro candidate as she would rep the Dutch market.

I'm not so sure Touhy's sweet spot is 1500. She just doesn't have the 400/800 speed to compete w/ us and world top10, although her strength does make her NCAA #1.

Let's do it again, one more time. Why is it always "better than Tuohy? In a few more weeks there will be another flavor of the month "better than Tuohy". When that one fades, apply, rinse, repeat...

Clearly Maatoug is a talented runner. Can't you just say that?

Next please.

Why the whining? I am saying that AM is more talented than the venerable KT. This is no flavor of the month. This is an observation which rankles you. Just relax and enjoy AM’s talent.

Now she's venerable? What a backhanded compliment. She's only 21. You just can't stop can you?

You think this is the first time we've heard 'better than Tuohy'? And no, it's not an observation, it's a wish.

If you were really genuine about Maatoug, you wouldn't have to denigrate someone to say it.

You’re being disingenuous, though. You know you’re trying to stir the pot. Don’t say otherwise. You’re the one getting rankled because you were called out for your troll post.

They’re different types of runners so your comparison is strange. Both are talented. Let’s just celebrate that.

This💯.

Fan of Maatoug and KT. Maatoug deserves her own thread not some click bait headline. It's obvious the OP intentions are just to stir the pot and troll.

So what do you think about that sophomore Appleton? What’s her background? Is she about to do something special at the Champs?

I agree, Tuohy is close to maxing out her potential.

Amina is just getting started.

What does Amina supposedly being smart and a philosophy student have to do with her running? Nothing. Have these boards ever discussed Katelyn's intellect? Katelyn is clearly the better runner at this stage and unless Amina maximizes all that potential pretty soon, Katelyn will stay that way.

What is I’m saying is ya better not sleep on Appleton, eh Gorze?

I'm a huge fan of someone who I think will be faster than someone who you think is the best.

I don't know how to measure talent very well. What type of talent meter did you use to measure Maatoug's and Tuohy's talent?

Why are you even bring Appleton into the conversation?

This entire thread is a troll thread. Are you just trying to pile on?

jc9091 Will Have a BETTER Posting Career Than Heronimoe

That's a pretty nice thing to say. (if I could do an emogee, there'd be a smily face, lol)

Here you are saying she's more talented. In your thread title you say she will a better career. Which is it? There has already been more talented runners come along and not have anywhere near the career Tuohy has had. Who cares if your more talented if the talent doesn't translate to results. At this point if AM doesn't win at least 6 NCAA titles, she is not even in the discussion.

You prioritize being faster at younger ages? Cook is faster than Tuohy. Wiley is faster than Tuohy.