DIBABA NOT RUNNING 1500 AT WORLDS

Seems that he wasn't. Check out the IAAF release.

http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/ethiopia-squad-beijing-2015

But I should note, in the IAAF article, the author says the decision "could potentially be changed following discussions between the EAF, the athlete, and her coach."

I would think if they have any sense, they'd enter her in both. Of course, this is the same federation that chose not to enter Tirunesh Dibaba in the 5,000 at Worlds in 2013 (she only ran the 10,000) "to give younger runners a chance" which is BS because the chief goal of a federation at a major championship should be winning as many medals as possible.

probably injured. that was a brutal effort

the Ethiopian athletics federation (EAF) has only picked Dibaba for the 5000m,

a decision that could potentially be changed following discussions between the EAF, the athlete, and her coach.

Running only the 5000 would be good, giving her time to recover for a WR attempt.

Championships are overrated anyway.

Personally I'm much more excited with fast races and fast times.

Perhaps the IAAF offered her a deal - fast times (wink, wink) but no medals.

If Ethiopia is wishing to field a strong, team do not see why they would have Genzebe only run the 5000.

Other than herself and Dawit Seyaum there are no other strong 1500 runners:

http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/middlelong/1500-metres/outdoor/women/senior/2015

For the 5000, there is already Almaz Ayana and Senbere Teferi

http://www.iaaf.org/records/toplists/middlelong/5000-metres/outdoor/women/senior/2015

However, perhaps Genzebe feels that she will need all of her strength to take on Almaz Ayana in the 5k.

"does not make sense" is correct. It would not make sense for her not to run the 1500, in which she just beat the second fastest woman in the world by six seconds. Ethiopia would probably win the 5000 without her, with Ayana. They're not going to win the 1500 without her.

She is the best in the world at both in the moment so the one she doesnt run in cannot be considered a true WC race. If the best in the world, in top form is not in the race the gold medal may well be chocolate wrapped in gold foil.

What about Meseret Defar?? She has a wild card as the 2013 champion at 5000 meters, and if Defar ran the 10000 she would win easily, she is a lot better than the Ethiopians named to the 10000 team (note Tirunesh wont run as she just had a baby) Kenya's best at 10000 would probably be Vivian Cheruiyot or Sally Kipyego, Defar usually beats them, Huddle and Flanagan could contend for a medal if no Tirunesh or Defar.

If I was picking the Ethiopian team, I would have G. Dibaba get a qualifier at 800 to confirm she can win that, then put

800-G.Dibaba and 2 others

1500-G.Dibaba and 2 others

5000- Ayana and Defar and 2 others, Ethiopia gets 4 as Defar is defending champ.

10000 Defar and 2 others (Ethiopia could have had 4 as T. Dibaba is defending champion, but she wont be ready

Steeple-Ayalew and 2 others

Marathon- They used to let 5 per country run, but now it is only 3

With this line up I see at least Gold in the 800,1500 and 10000 and Gold AND Silver at 5000, and likely medals at Steeple and Marathon.

Note Ayana started as a Steepler and she was the World Junior Record holder and now she is MUCH faster at least on the flat, Ayana could probably win Gold and maybe get the World record in the Steeplechase which is 8:58.

But where is Defar?????

I am also asking , where is the great woman , Defar ?? as to the great T.Dibaba it is clear that she gave birth only recently ,so can't run now ............It was being said Defar was likely to appear in this Championship as she gave birth a year ago........but no news about here these days....... may be she has extended her resting period.....anyway , I wish all to be healthy and see them on track / road when they feel to be ready.........

I also wish good luck for the current stars , G.Dibaba and Ayana and others who are keeping the T&F events attractive......

Any one who knows about Defar , pls update .....Thank you...

This is Ethiopia we are talking about. No one cares about events shorter than 5000m.

I'm sure her getting the WR in the 1500m woud be like an American getting the WR in the Standing Broad Jump. We'd say "Good for you. Now why don't you try to set a record in something real?"

Probably getting off the doping she uses for speed.

Defar is pregnant

Hmmm. I like this idea. How great would it be to coast through the prelims as a dress rehearsal and then take off from the gun and run 14:08 or something in the finals. WR and start her victory lap before anyone else has even finishedTHAT would be more exciting than a 1500m / 5k double gold for me...because i already think she can do it.whatever she does, she'd better hope to peak at the right time or it will be a disappointing championships for her

J.R. wrote:

Running only the 5000 would be good, giving her time to recover for a WR attempt.

Championships are overrated anyway.

Personally I'm much more excited with fast races and fast times.

Medals are subjective. Who cares. World Records are absolute and frozen history. Lets see her break the 5000m WR in Beijing.

Is Correct wrote:

"does not make sense" is correct. It would not make sense for her not to run the 1500, in which she just beat the second fastest woman in the world by six seconds. Ethiopia would probably win the 5000 without her, with Ayana. They're not going to win the 1500 without her.

Makes sense to me.

In life, sometimes because you can do something, does not mean you should. The stress of 8:33, 14:15, 14:19, 14:21, 3:54 and 3:50 in a period of 50 days...she has got to be tired. That 3:54 and 3:50 the following week all by itself, can stick in your legs for weeks. I bet she is resting right now and only has enough left in her legs to push for one race at the WCs and I would not be surprised if she flames out at the WCs. I have watched this type of movie before.

douglas burke wrote:

Kenya's best at 10000 would probably be Vivian Cheruiyot or Sally Kipyego, Defar usually beats them, Huddle and Flanagan could contend for a medal if no Tirunesh or Defar.

What does Agnes Tirop have to do to get noticed?

Dibaba's withdrawl from the 1500 would put the rest of the field in a hopeless situation. Even if you won, you know that you are only second best to someone who smashed the world record only weeks before. Who is going to remember the winner this year ? Even if she does run, and gets beaten, unless the winner runs 3:50, they are still only number 2. It's a No-Win for everyone else this year, the best in the world has already been decided.