Raptured wrote:
I think she'll probably be the 3rd best runner going in to London. Anyone that thinks Shobukhova will beat Keitany is smoking crack. As long as Keitany doesn't go out too fast, she can't lose. If Shobukhova tries to stick with Keitany, Shalane ought to have a good shot at picking her off for a silver.
Shobukhova could probably outrun Keitany all things considered. Take a look at her races in Chicago, her finishing speed tends to help her bring her times down, and last year she ran a 2:18. Shalane's never been tested to that pace, but she is TOUGH. Also, remember that Paula was THE favorite going into Athens in 04, having just ran a 2:15 the year before - and we know how that turned out.