I have wondered about this in the past few years and they are the same age.
I have wondered about this in the past few years and they are the same age.
Depending if he had the better druggist. End of thread.
El Guerrouj ended his career the right way, with TWO Olympic Golds.
Was his retirement motivated by a fear of new drug tests? We'll never ever know. What I can tell you is that watching him run, live in person, was pure joy.
No. No he would not.
usa baby!
I don't think ELG was a doper. Seems to be a nice guy!
yyy wrote:
I don't think ELG was a doper. Seems to be a nice guy!
Dope is everywhere - inside and outside of the sport.
So it's been 6 years since El G last raced.
I think El G probably would not still own Lagat.
Lagat was actually ranked #1 in the 1500 in 2004.
Nice duel in Athens with El G getting that Gold.
No knock against El G but Lagat has really defied the odds with his high level at this age and after being at a high level for so many years.
El G got a Silver at the 1995 WC's. I just can't see him being a medal contender 15 years later.
Lagat hit the World scene in 1999.
Both born in 1974. Different timeline for elite racing.
Their 1500m peak was at the same time, though.
We don't know when Lagat would be at optimal peak for 5000.
I thought that El G retired because of persistent injury problems?
Lagats peak was in 2006 when he ran 12:59 with a 51.2 second last lap beating Bekele.
Well Lagat's 1500m PR was in 2001, El G's 2nd best 1500 was also in 2001 (PR in 1998).
Lagat's 2nd best 1500m was in 2004.
In 2004 Lagat was ranked #1 in the world, El G was Olympic Champion.
This is why I say Lagat and El G peaked at the same time.
Not based on the last lap of a one off race.
El G may have picked the perfect time to end in glory and leaving the questions of what if.
Morceli tried to keep going after 1996 and he just didn't have it after 7 years on top.