Star wrote:
Observer of Range wrote:You really think a 1500 runner can come back and be competitive in a 12k XC race? No way.
Yes.
We've seen 1500m runners do well in college XC.
And if not challenge for an individual medal, help with team points.
I know Kenya is deep with distance runners but someone like Silas Kiplagat may be able to score for them.
Smaller countries sure could use them for depth.
Maybe Nate Brannen runs on the Canadian XC team.
I bet El G would have been interesting to see in this event.
These guys normally wouldn't run XC in March, because it doesn't fall in line with their training or racing schedule.
But soon after their Olympic race, why not?
Individually, they won't make a dent. NCAA is different because:
1. milers have a whole season to prepare for a 10k race
2. it's not Olympic-level depth
Milers can't even compete in a slow tactical 10,000 let alone a 12K XC that's hard from the gun. Maybe in Paavo Nurmi's day but not today.
They might matter for the team score but I don't care for team events in the Olympics. They are too biased towards the big countries.