Jack Parker wrote:
20 people ran faster than 13:29 last year in the NCAA, times are different now, doesn't mean they will run 12:46. Ill take the under on Teare becoming the fastest person ever not born in Africa. Tbf would have said the same about Fisher as well.
None have run faster than 13:06 though. If I was betting on anyone to run 12:40s, it'd be the guy training with multiple 12:4x guys who has 3:33 wheels and has already run 13:06 with a 55 last lap. Of course, it's always easier to take the bet that he won't become the fastest person not born in Africa simply based on odds, but that's no fun in a prediction. When there's someone who is set up perfectly to be one of the fastest ever, I think we should stop saying they aren't gonna make it to the next level. The message should be that with consistent, healthy training, top talents can become world class.
I think Rupp is less talented than Teare. Even with AlSal as his coach, he only ran a better 5k than Teare in HS. At Oregon, Teare finally had a great coach, and he ran 3:50/7:46/13:12, the latter 2 in championship races. If he stays healthy through 2024, I think he's a medal threat. Will he stay healthy? Who knows, but there's no reason we should bet that he gets injured. He's not particularly injury prone, and getting injured once isn't a bad sign.