There will be 30 men running the OTs, only 8 or 9 of whom have the Olympic A standard (3:35.50). Since a runner MUST have the A standard to go to the OGs, these 21 or 22 guys only chance is to get both the A standard and finish in the top three of those with the A standard at the trials. Obviously it is going to be very difficult to get the A standard at the trials. But there are three rounds, each of which will have 10 racers.
So what is the best strategy for those guys who don't have the OG A? I think it is to go for it in the first round. After all, there will be 7 or so guys in each of the three race in the first round who need the standard, if they work together some of them might just get it. Saving the sub 3:35.50 attempt for the final, were there might only be two-four guys who need the standard and they will have 6-8 of the top guys sitting on them seems far fetched.
But what do you think?
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Those with the A standard (Lagat will not be running the 1500 at the trials and Lomong may run only the 5000.)
3:35.50 3:33.11 Bernard Lagat*
3:33.59 Lopez Lomong?
3:33.66 Leonel Manzano
3:34.11 Russell Brown
3:34.39 Andrew Wheating
3:34.46 Matthew Centrowitz
3:34.75 Galen Rupp
3:34.78 Robby Andrews
3:35.21 Jeff See
3:35.41 David Torrance