Deer Cooper Teare,
I write this letter to you as an avid fan of American distance running who wants the best for all American distance runners. I know you’re probably very busy with training, so I’ll keep this short and to the point: I implore you to immediately switch your primary event to the steeplechase.
Here are the reasons a switch to the steeplechase is the best move for you:
1: You are naturally suited for it! With your 1500 speed, 5000 strength, and tall height, you have the same gifts that Evan Jager utilized to become an Olympic and world championship medal winner.
2: It’s your best chance to make the US Olympic team. The 1500 and 5000 are going to be barnburners at the US Olympic Trials. Those teams were already expected to be tough coming into this year, but the improvement of Hobbs Kessler and Colin Sahlman make the 1500 even tougher, and the rise of Nico Young and Graham Blanks make the 5000 even tougher. You’d have much weaker competition in the steeplechase, both now and for the next four years.
3: It’s your best chance to win an Olympic medal. The world is ridiculously stacked in the 1500 and 5000 right now. Not so much in the steeplechase. Just like Evan Jager, you could win a medal!
4: You could be the first American to break the 8:00 barrier. Wouldn’t that be cool? All the major time barriers have already been broken by Americans in the 1500, mile, and 5000. Being the first American under 8:00 in the steeplechase would be a monumental and permanent claim to fame.
5: Your country needs you. We already have medal contenders in the 1500 and 5000. What we desperately need is a contender in the steeplechase. In last year’s world championships, the top American finished only 10th. You could do so much better! As President JFK once said, “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” You can give USA distance running fans reason for hope in the steeplechase. If not for yourself, do it for your country.
Please at least give the steeplechase a try. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Glory awaits you in the steeplechase.
All the best to you.
Sincerely,
Someone who loves America
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