His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
Peak Jakob yes, 2025 Jakob no.
True, but obviously I was talking about the Jakob in Paris or Silesia.
And if Hicham El Guerrouj was 25 years younger he could have given Hocker a run for his money.
You are right...well actually you're wrong. El g would've obliterated Hocker. I mean, he's the guy who beat Bekele twice (never lost to him), and denied the distance GOAT from his double golds in Athen.
His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
So, if Jakob had run a 53 instead of a 57 on the last lap, you think he would have won? Maybe a 52, I think Hocker had another second or two in the tank. But yes, I agree with you in principal that if Jakob had run faster than Cole Hocker in the WC 5000 final, he would have won.
“The USA 3k proves that Hocker would've lost in Tokyo, had Jakob been in shape.”
Please drink a gallon of bleach. Chlorine free, of course.
The USA 3K proves that Hocker won in Tokyo because he beats everyone else to the line, as evidenced by a studly front running performance, capped by a comeback kick that made Nico/Jared suck eggs. Both of these races contribute to a stellar body of work that keeps growing…and it’s giving Jakob lore a run for its money.
i actually think Hocker is a bit of a megalomaniac…and that’s a part of his edge on the track.
Hocker’s tactics aren’t always the best as we saw in the Tokyo 15 last year, but he got it done today against two great competitors even if his execution wasn’t perfect. This has nothing to do with the Tokyo 5k. Peak Jakob obviously wins that’s race, but so what? There’s no shame in losing to a 3:26/7:17 three-time 5k champion. Hocker would’ve lost to peak Bekele as well, but again, who cares? He was the best on the day and earned that gold.
I'm not sure why he wanted a fast race, but he did, so he made it fast. Then the Olympic 1500 champion let other people lead until he outkicked them. Tactics and execution were fine
I'm not sure why he wanted a fast race, but he did, so he made it fast. Then the Olympic 1500 champion let other people lead until he outkicked them. Tactics and execution were fine
100% right. I think Hocker likes a comfortable but not hard pace to lower the numbers a bit and shut out someone with a sick kick from stealing it.
His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
Exactly! Jakob literally could have been in the same position at the bell and he’d easily beat Hocker by a few seconds with a 52 second last lap. You’re kidding yourself if you don’t think the 7:17/3:26 guy couldn’t do that.
“The USA 3k proves that Hocker would've lost in Tokyo, had Jakob been in shape.”
Please drink a gallon of bleach. Chlorine free, of course.
The USA 3K proves that Hocker won in Tokyo because he beats everyone else to the line, as evidenced by a studly front running performance, capped by a comeback kick that made Nico/Jared suck eggs. Both of these races contribute to a stellar body of work that keeps growing…and it’s giving Jakob lore a run for its money.
i actually think Hocker is a bit of a megalomaniac…and that’s a part of his edge on the track.
Let me get this straight. Based on an indoor 3k during a non-championship year, that Hocker won, you’ve concluded that Jakob would have won the Tokyo 5k, if he was health?
His positioning was abysmal, always out of place. For that reason, even Young, who is not close to Jakob's caliber, gave him a run for the money, never mind Jakob in a 5k. Yes, Hocker's kick is phenomenal, but that doesn't cancel out his bad tactics. Let's not forget Jakob only had to run 53 to secure the victory, which is well within his wheelhouse when he's healthy.
Unless, of course, Cole had used the Vulcan Death Grip on Jakob while they were jostling for position on the last lap.