cbenson4 wrote:
Steven Ovett wrote:
Ovett made a mockery of most of his races in his prime (77-80) and I don't think it's a given that Rupp would beat him over 5k without pacers. If Rupp had to push, Ovett would just sit and sit and sit and give him a cursory wave as he trotted past with 80m to go. Ovett's finishing speed was frightening and he never really tested himself over 5000m in his prime so I think it's widely accepted he could have run a lot faster. He ran as fast as he needed to. One of thee most talented middle distance runners we've ever seen. Over 10000m though Rupp would be supreme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRV6zEZo9hU
52.5 for the last 400, roughly 25.7-25.8 for the last 200, and that's finishing in a solid 13:22. I don't think Ovett would have had the wheels to go with that at the end of a 5k of that nature. Maybe if he had spent his career focusing on the 5k he could have, but not in his normal 800/1500 shape.
Also, Rupp has run 13:01 indoors and consistently runs under 13:05 in competitive races. I don't think Ovett has him beat in the 5k.
It would be an interesting race. I imagine Rupp and Pre would alternate pacing duties, clipping 64s (~Pre's 5k pace, ~Rupp's 10k pace) for the first 3-4k. If Rupp took it on with 700+ meters to go, he'd win; if he waited for 400m to go, it'd be a nail biter but I still think Ovett would settle for 2nd.
3k Rupp vs. Ovett is clearly the sexiest match-up.