Why does it seem like people are avoiding the 5k at nationals? Chris Derrick isn't in it, Ryan Hill isn't in it, Andy Bayer isn't in it. These are some of the best 5k guys in the NCAA and they are choosing other events. Derrick I can kind of understand because he's obviously got a great shot to win the 10k but I don't think Hill and Bayer have as good a shot to win the 1500 as they would the 5k. Any thoughts?
Lawi, Levins, and Chelimo are doing the 5k, these runners (especially the first two) are way better then the runners you first stated. Furthermore, I think Andy Bayer and Hill both have a good chance in the 1500 - better chance of winning then the 5k
I think you missed the point by the OP. Ha wasn't saying that they were better than Lawi, Levins or Chelimo. Rather it was a question of why are guys that are so good (Derrick-13:19, Hill-13:31, and Bayer-13:34) opting not to run? I think it's a good question and one I'm curious about as well.
Are you forgetting Mo Ahmed? Did you see what he did to Hassan Mead, distancing him by 10 seconds over the last 600+ at Big Tens (Mead eased once he was so far adrift, of course (and this off of a modest start and then finishing to 13:41/13:51).