Dedicated Runner wrote:
McGee just ran a race in Belgium where she got the B standard. That race was about the same pace with 400 to go as the race in Monaco. Instead of closing the last 400 in 59-61 like the USA ladies did in Monaco, McGee closed in 67+. She faded terribly in the last lap because she couldn't handle the hot pace
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Agreed. I don't think she'll make to the WC 1500 finals.
But for a comparison, let's remember what level Brenda was at before her senior year at UCR. 4 years later she is performing at a world level. Cory has many years to develop the strength for a strong last lap. I'm sure that Cory and her coach are quite happy with her performances so far this year.
I love the way Jenny put herself at the front, commiting herself to running a strong race. As always, Shannon Rowbury was also at the front but was simply outrun on the last lap. Brenda did not run a smart overall race but she was right there at the gun lap. It just seemed that she had to work more than necessary to put herself in that position. Regardless, Jenny was determined to win and probably there was nothing anyone could have done tactically to change the outcome.
We are not talking about McGee in the future. She may or may not develop into a world class athlete. That is yet to be seen. We are talking about who would represent the USA at 1500m better in Moscow in 2013. That would be Rowbury.
Rowbury was not simply outrun on the last lap in Monaco. She was in 5th at the bell and gained one position in the last 400. There really wasn't much separation between the top 4 in the last 400 meters of this race.