The problem with track and field on tv is the announcers rarely get into the race. To the average fan a 3:50 is a little faster than a 4 min mile. The announcers have to exaggerate their excitement to "let the fans know" they are seeing something exciting.
Tom Hammond simply narrating as if he is a waiter reading the wine list at olive garden doesnt give the average fan or little kid to get excited about a race.
How about Solinsky in the 2 mile? Barely mentioned that this fresh out of college kid is hanging with the best in the world.
Watch a race from the 80's on youtube with one of those great British announcers and you'll know what I mean.