It was a tremendous race. Women's steeplechase has that potential as long as the opening kilometer is fast. Immense props to the young lady who took it out. Otherwise they are content to loiter through 1000 in 3:10 or higher and all the permutations diminish.
When Frerichs had the breakthrough silver at 2017 world championships in London it was the same type of scenario. She went with the 9ish pace for the first time in her life and great things happened.
I felt sick for Markezich, after following her in the ACC for the past two years. She's been a warrior and team player in cross country, indoors and outdoors. During that final backstretch I kept thinking get over the water clean and you're home free. And it would have played out that way. Her struggle over the final barrier was irrelevant. It was obvious she was injured and couldn't rally. That was adrenaline and pride to the finish line.
Don't kid yourself that this has any relevancy toward the Paris final. Those women are an entirely different level. None of the Americans will be within view after one lap. There is no variance in the international steeplechase strategy right now. Beatrice Chepkoech will take every race out well below 9 minute pace and hope she can eliminate all but one or two principal challengers.