not a registered user wrote:
Whether or not Hasay has made significant improvement is beside the point. The OP argues that she should not have been in the field because she is not fast enough.
Huddle and Rowbury (along with Simpson) are at a different level than the rest of the American women in a 5k right now. On a day they both set pbs they were still running for 6th or 7th place. Hasay is still at the level of the top NCAA women.
Why enter her in a WC final caliber field when everyone knows she will finish well at the back (if she finishes at all)?
I'll say again - the Diamond League isn't a meritocracy. AlSal wanted her in the race because he thought Hasay could use that field to run a big PR, and between her name recognition in the US and her agent's clout, he was able to get her in. I'm guessing the race plan was the same as the 2M in Eugene - stay with Rowbury as long as possible, then tough it out to the end. For whatever reason, that race plan didn't work this time. Ms Hasay's post-race tweet seems like as good a summary as any - "Disappointing effort but honored to see the world's best. Heading back to US for some good training and lessons to learn- will be back!"
Question for those of you angry that Hasay was included in this race: Who's the best runner you know of who wanted to be in the race and was denied entry?