ukathleticscoach wrote:
That's my prediction
I think he has a lot more to give than he showed here
UKAC, you're faith in Rupp is looking good right now. Hell of a race yesterday. Gotta admit, when U.S. cut to 3 laps to go, and I did the quick math in my head on his pace, I certainly thought "holy shit" to myself. Guess I should not be that surprised after his 5k when he outkicked Merga. But 26:48 is scary good.
However, I still don't think he'll medal next year. With Rupp, he will need to have the perfect race on the perfect day (weather-wise. Any pollen and it won't work for him. Too hot? no good). And the africans love running in london, so I think they will be fielding even stronger teams than normal (where some of their top guys normally stay on the roads and skip the wc's/olympics, I think more of those guys will shoot for the track in 2012). And even though Rupp has shown a good kick, I still don't love his chances in a very tactical race.
So.... he will be in the mix, and a legit medal contender. I just don't think he will pull it off. And look at Solinsky this year. He was supposed to be definite medal contender, and didn't even make to the starting line, after years of perfect health. Stuff happens.