There is some fun stuff here. I love the everything build up to Rupp and all downhill after that. And that the 60s were a weak era for distance running.
If you want weak in the USA go to the 90s, but with some notable exceptions. Anyone remember "the new breed"? name three of them and win a free gift certificate to McDonald's.
Yeah after asking about Rono last night I double checked his record on Wikepedia; thanks for posting coach d. No doubt one of the greatest feats of anyone, all time, to break and hold four world records in 3 months. No Olympics or medals but he has to be college GOAT, and won of the GOATs ever at any level.
Lindgren, Nyambui, are right up there too. Followed by Pre. So pretty similar to the ranking on this page/thread that someone else up yesterday.
To get into that level Lalang is going to have to do something great, in addition to win several more championships. Say he wins 4 more. He'll also need to do something like break 3:30 for 1500 or run sub 13, and/or make the Kenyan team and place in the top 5 or so at WCs. Or reach that level or so at World XC...
OP took some hits for naivete but, thanks for bringing up a fun topic.