Nope, completely justified. And as much as I want to be pissed and would like to see an American win another medal, the fact that he demonstrated such horrific tactics and poor decision making softens the blow immensely. It was the right call, and he has only himself to blame.
Cole was toast the moment he let Nillessen in front. Big slow guy who won't leave a gap open is a nightmare for Cole's strategy. He could've easily won this semi in lane 3 had he just stayed middle of the pack.
He definitely pushed the German and you can see him lose his balance. Cole relying one the chance that he always can find a gap in the inside lane failed him today.
I absolutely hate to see Hocker gone, but that was a pretty egregious move. Especially when he led almost the whole race, just stupid to give it up when he did. On the bright side, that’s the kind of mistake you don’t make twice. I expect to see Hocker lead wire to wire in every prelim he runs for the rest of his career lol
I imagine everyone’s prediction contests are cooked