Evan Jager has rediculous talent...why didn't he stick with the 5k??

'We seem to be in an era where the specialist runner is going by the wayside and today's runner is good at (and competes in) a variety of distances.'

No we don't, the reverse is true. Runners used to do 800 and 1500 now usually stick to one and the days of Keino doing all events are gone although guys like El G & Lagat has stepped up to 5km (although having done nothing at 800m)

Evan has just made the Olympics and the op thinks he will have regrets!

Lmao when did I say he would have any regrets?? He certainly won't, making an Olympic team is special wether it is in the steeple or the competitive race walk. You need to learn how to read what has been said and also learn to not put words into other people's mouths. It's a really bad habit. I am happy for Evan and wish him all the best in London.

Simons15 wrote:

Ok, maybe I worded that a tad bit wrong. I meant to say something more along the lines of why hasn't he run a 5k this year?? I think he's in great shape right now and certainly could have challenged Lomong for that 3rd spot in the 5k...I agree he is a magnificent steepler, already one of the best the US has ever seen, but I still think he has massive potential in the 5k that has yet to be reached. I'm talking like 12:55 talent, which would be very relevant on the world scene. I understand his whole focus this season has been the steeple, but one 5k wouldn't hurt the dude at all. He's a professional distance runner. I'd love to see him hop in a fast 5k after the Olympics!!

12:55 talent, while exceptional, is not 8:00 talent, which he probably possesses. I think he found his event.

malmo's comments on Jager's debut: http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=4541068&page=2

I think Malmo is right, and I think Jager will scare the American record, given the opportunity, in his first year running the event.

Because being in 13:10 shape means you can contend for top 100 in the world, top 10 in America, or...

... Dominate American steeplechase and punch a ticket to London

Is it really news that steeplechasers are rejects from real events?

Soccer is running with a ball. Football is running with a ball. Baseball is running with a ball and stick. Steeplechase is running with hurdles.

Running is the only sport.

Simons15 wrote:

Lmao when did I say he would have any regrets?? He certainly won't, making an Olympic team is special wether it is in the steeple or the competitive race walk. You need to learn how to read what has been said and also learn to not put words into other people's mouths. It's a really bad habit. I am happy for Evan and wish him all the best in London.

'This guy is super good. Idk why he didn't stick with the 5k longer, '

Regret is implied, otherwise why should he have stuck with the 5km.

One more time:

: Evan Jager has rediculous talent...why didn't he stick with the 5k??

What the hell did you mean by this then?

At least be a man and stick by what you said!

He thought running the steeplechase right after a navicular stress fracture was a much better idea.

You said something totally different though. You claimed that I said Jager would "regret" making the team in the steeple. He won't regret making an Olympic team no matter the event. However, he may regret not running a 5k this season while being in phenomenal shape, and not grabbing the PR that could certainly come with that fitness. Sticking with the 5k doesn't necessarily mean making it your exclusive event. Ex. David Torrence. While the 1500 is his main event, he opted to do a 5000 a few weeks ago and ended up with a nice PR. Just wondering why Evan hasn't at least given the 5k a shot this year. He certainly won't regret winning the trials steeple and having a chance to represent the USA in London.

Jager is the most universally liked and admired runner on these boards, hands down. He's got "it".

Simons15 wrote:

This guy is super good. Idk why he didn't stick with the 5k longer, I mean obviously the steeple is much weaker and therefore guarantees him a spot in the Olympics, but does anyone else think this guy could challenge the PR's of the top american 5k runners?? Lagat 12:53, Solinsky 12:55, Ritz 12:56 and Rupp and Teg 12:58?? Personally I have always thought he was way more talented than Teg. Seems like a Solinsky type dude...naturally talented as fvck, the only difference is he hasn't had his breakout race yet. Lets just hope he dosen't end up like present day Sol, injured.

did you see the 5k? That's why

Well Jager has a lot better to earn with steeplechase.

Better chance to win NC; to qualify for OG, WC; to be top 10 in Diamond League meeting, to be top 10 in the world... many things he could not get in the 5K.

The steeplechase isn't for everyone. Jager is a rarity. He is "The Natural". The best American steeplechase talent I've ever scene.[/quote]

ever SEEN