So the only real fact we can debate here is as far as "middle school" categories, awards, bests, etc all things are not equal.
In different places, you are legit different ages for your grade. So some kids have an unfair advantage, because they are older.
Some kids running these middle school races the weekend are in the 11-12 USATF age group, some are in 15-16. Fair fight? Hardly.
Now, the kid in question, technically by AAU-USATF age verified rules and categories, he turns 16 this year, he's competing as a 16 year old all year. Next year he's considered 17. On January 1.
In some places in America, this would put him ahead an entire grade. Some places not.
Dont kill the messenger. I don't make the rules.
Yes. Dec born kids are extremely disadvantaged in many sports. 12/19/08, if true, is in the totally normal range for a kid going into 10th grade.
But consider this: You're turn lets say 12 in late Dec and are racing indoor track, at a meet first week of Jan. Well a few days from being 11, you are running against some 14 yo's because you are now 13/14. Even though you were 11 a week or 2 ago. Good Luck!
Dathan Ritzenhein has December 1982 birthday and Webb had a January 1983 birthday. So he’s about the same age as they were.
massive talent, yes. but max burgin still ran (a tiny bit) faster at 15 and also holds the 18 year old age group record, and he is still no world beater. its rare to see child prodigy’s actually make it (except jakob)
You mean non- African prodigies? Because Geb, Bekele, Kipchoge, etc were all child prodigies.
Well consider how good Ryun and Lindgren were back in the day. And there are more people and athletes.
What was good in the '60's bears no relation to today. Lindgren and Ryun were also several years older. No one was running adult times at 15 and this youngster is achieving this in a sport now rampant with doping.
It is always funny that people get so out of whack on here about things.
Cooper is a great kid. He looks baby-faced and is 100% age appropriate for being a freshman. Some of you may be confusing him with another top-level Texas runner, Caden Leonard, who is a year older than most sophomores, having turned 17 during the school year. For comparison, Noah Strohman turns 17 around September.
As for his training, Cooper's dad will make sure he doesn't over train. He's been there. He's also got Andrew's (Drew to many) experience to guide him.
Those on here arguing over 1:44 to 1:42 are just lunatics. Who cares? Who knows? He's 15! He may end up as a 1500/1600/miler. I don't care right now. He is fun as hell to watch and still has a ton to learn about racing!
He also moves to 6A in Texas next year. His school was 5A this year.
Well consider how good Ryun and Lindgren were back in the day. And there are more people and athletes.
What was good in the '60's bears no relation to today. Lindgren and Ryun were also several years older. No one was running adult times at 15 and this youngster is achieving this in a sport now rampant with doping.
You are saying that everyone fast takes steroids. I in turn give examples of young AMERICAN prodigies from before steroids. The point about more people is that the chance of super talented people obviously increases when more people are around to be genetically blessed.
What was good in the '60's bears no relation to today. Lindgren and Ryun were also several years older. No one was running adult times at 15 and this youngster is achieving this in a sport now rampant with doping.
You are saying that everyone fast takes steroids. I in turn give examples of young AMERICAN prodigies from before steroids. The point about more people is that the chance of super talented people obviously increases when more people are around to be genetically blessed.
The American "prodigies" you refer to were older by several years and not as fast at his age. Drugs were virtually unknown in md and distance running then but are a commonplace today and are also in schools. There is no evidence that the population is becoming more genetically gifted.
You are saying that everyone fast takes steroids. I in turn give examples of young AMERICAN prodigies from before steroids. The point about more people is that the chance of super talented people obviously increases when more people are around to be genetically blessed.
The American "prodigies" you refer to were older by several years and not as fast at his age. Drugs were virtually unknown in md and distance running then but are a commonplace today and are also in schools. There is no evidence that the population is becoming more genetically gifted.
Alright. You've convinced me. I don't believe in anything Cam Myers has done.
The American "prodigies" you refer to were older by several years and not as fast at his age. Drugs were virtually unknown in md and distance running then but are a commonplace today and are also in schools. There is no evidence that the population is becoming more genetically gifted.
Alright. You've convinced me. I don't believe in anything Cam Myers has done.
Thanks!!
I have the same scepticism, for the same reasons I outlined.
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He will be able to drive a car in December, not very Freshman like.
This age thing is not hard.
9th: 14-15
10th: 15-16
11th: 16-17
12th: 17-18
He will have a birthday every December… at that time he will go from one number to the next. He will graduate like a normal HS student. Math is hard, especially adding one number at a time. (Sarcasm, something else you might probably struggle with)