Here we go again wrote:
Taking the point that was made about Jenny Simpson's career length - from 3rd at Footlocker, through 4 NCAA titles to 10 straight World & Olympic teams. It may be my ignorance but from the write up was Deena Kastor's career peak much, much shorter? From 2nd at World Cross in 2002 to major marathon win in 2006 is a fantastic peak but either side she is more ~10th in world finals and no NCAA titles. I know she was very good for a long time but not at the level of her peak? Isn't longevity and consistent excellence part of GOAT criteria?
You're right that it was a shorter top peak, but still might impressive in it's own right:
2002 WXC Silver
2003 WXC Silver
2004 Olympic Bronze
2005 Chicago win
2006 London win and American Record
For the record I also voted for Jenny out of spite (I might have ended up voting for her anyway, but I didn't give it any thought).