I hate this kind of take. It's poor sportsmanship....we can celebrate both of them. They make it interesting every time they show up!! And this is the kind of sentiment that puts too much pressure on both of them. It's ok for one to beat the other, and it's not "devastating" to either one when that happens. I hate this kind of sensationalist, tribalist, Us vs Them, black and white thinking that is rampant on this website. It hurts the sport.
One thing that is undeniable regardless of who is in better form now or at nationals when it truly counts:
Valby’s performance today has given Touhy some things to question and doubt following her poor races (by her standards) at the end of the track season.
psychological battle XC 2023 puts Valby in the lead at this point.
I remember using this excuse when I did badly. it's a common one. sure, it's just a workout. but if it was just a workout, she shouldn't have sucked so bad at it.
Tuohy didn't break training for this race, just another workout. Only one race matters, NCAAs
And you are sure Valby cut back on her training for this race?
Valby showed a slight bit of effort at the very beginning of the race to get in front, then she looked like she was just out doing a tempo run. When she crossed the line she was immediately standing around looking like she had just warmed up and was ready to go again. Her interview revealed no sign of any fatigue or great effort and over half the field was still on course while she was talking effortlessly.