I appreciated the article. But let me mention that Tebogo was second choice in the 200 wagering at +450. He was not nearly the massive underdog as suggested. He was quoted ahead of Bednarek, who was +700. Lyles was -450.
Nia Akins had atrocious strategy in the 800 semifinal and deserved to be named. Akins had two massive advantages...being in the final heat in an event with time qualifiers, and running with Hodgkinson for the second consecutive race. All Akins needed was basic math: "I need to be third or better and inside xxxxx time."
I forget exactly what that time qualifier mark was. Do the coaches spell it out to the athletes? It's such a basic reference point. You no longer have to be second. Just make sure you're faster than the best small q.
I watched that semifinal in disbelief. Akins was content to sit back in 5th or 6th for a long time. When she finally moved up she didn't seem to have any clue what the time requirement was. She coasted the final couple of steps. Then she looked up at the board in bewilderment. Sorry, you're gone. Whitaker and the French girl celebrated the stupid tactics.
Letsenbet Gidey would not have medaled. There are three late finishers now in Chebet, Battocletti and Hissan.
Ethiopia lost a medal when Welteji decided to try for gold instead of rallying for silver like last year. I hardly blame her.
Ethiopia is very well positioned in that event, given Welteji and Haylom as by far the youngest who have gone 3:53 or lower. I know everybody likes Hailu but she sits too far back in an evolving event, just like Muir to lesser extent.
What will Faith Kipyegon do now? That is the intriguing question. She had long planned to move up to 5000, 10,000 and marathon. But now she's facing an unforeseen variable. The only woman who can out kick her is a teammate who specializes in the 5000 and 10,000.