I also disagree with the statement that "making US teams are [sic] extremely hard." This is not a golden age for US 1500m running. I don't think it's ever been easier to make the US 1500m team. Anyone who could summon a 3:35 at the right time would make the team. Maybe Kessler will regain his form, Hocker will return strong, and Nuguse will develop with world class training partners, but 2022 was an insanely weak year for the 1500 and Ribich didn't enter the conversation even on the edges
I super disagree that the US is in a slump right now. 2022 was a super weak year, but that's because 2/3 of the top guys weren't healthy for USAs. '23/'24 have a good shot at being the hardest 1500m teams to make ever. The top trio of Hocker/Teare/Nuguse is gonna be harder to beat than almost any other top 3 that we've had before. I'm kinda expecting ~3:30 from all of them next year. Hocker doesn't need to make a big drop, Teare is training with the best 5k/10 group in the country, well known for their time trial prowess, and Nuguse is training with the best 1500m group in the world. There's a big gap between the top 3 and the next ~10 guys, but it's conceivable that a super-talent like Kessler or Hunter can close that gap.
There were some really good 1500 meter teams in the early 201X’s with more guys running between 3:32 and 3:35 than there are now. Serious depth and good top end.
Centro 3:30+ medalist
Manzano 3:30+ medalist
Wheating 3:30
Lomong 3:32
Leer, McNamara, Bayer, Torrence (until he switched), Casey, Brown, Blankenship, Merber, probably a few others I’m forgetting all at 3:33-3:35. I don’t think the U.S. has the top end or the depth now that it did in the early 201Xs. Especially when you account for super shoes.
Anyone know what old mate Ribich is up to these days? No social media posts for over a month. For a guy who's claim to fame is being friends with Josh Kerr, he's been pretty quiet!