rupp-certified saladbar wrote:
WRC wrote:you admitted Rupp is one hell of a runner.
OBVIOUSLY he is.
But what the fanboys don't get (or admit) is that the Olympic silver was a fluke. The field there was SO weak and EVERYTHING went just right for Rupp. Which is great.
But seeing him as on the level of guys CONSISTENTLY at that level is delusional.
Honestly, would any of you bet money on Rupp medaling in Rio?
Would I bet money at even odds that Rupp will medal on the track in Rio? no.
But who gets better odds?
Farah? unlikely to still be running track in 2016.
Jeilan? maybe, but last year certainly raises doubts.
Gembremeskel? sure didn't bring it today.
Gebrihwet? who knows what he'll be focusing on 3 years from now.
Other East Africans? quite probably, but who's the specific one who gets the shortest odds for medaling on the track in Rio?
Anoher American? Derrick sure didn't impress today, this was probably the last time we'll see Ritz at a major track championship, and no other American is anywhere close to Rupp at 10000m.
etc., etc.
So, back to Rupp. Seems very likely to continue to focus on track through 2016, has been remarkably injury free to this point in his career, already a solid contender at 10000m against the best in the world and may still have at least a little room to improve. 10% chance of medaling in Rio? easily. 25%? why not. Better than that? really too soon to know but who are you putting out there as better than 25% to medal in the men's 10000m in Rio?
bottom line: Rupp is a first-rate distance runner, the current financial incentives have pulled the best East Africans to the marathon, and if that continues to be the case for the next few years, he'll have every chance of winning another medal at the 2015 WC or the 2016 O Games.