I am a fan of both runners. I am very happy for Lagat that he finally got his gold. I liken Lagat under El-G to Tergat under Geb....always the bridesmaid and never the bride to the best runner ever in their respective events.

I was very excited when Webb got the AR, but I can't say I am surprised by his finish at the World Championships. Webb has always had an issues with inconsistency, stepping up to the plate at major international events, and frankly his psych. I think the 3rd explains much of the prior 2. There were clearly emotional/pysche issues involved in his departure from Michigan and I don't think he has silenced those demons yet. I hope that over the next year he figures out how to run these international races and becomes the world-leading mid-distance runner we all know he can be. I keep hearing "he just needs to learn..." and things like that....the truth is, he has been running at a high level long enough that he should be able to begin performing at these large races.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by joev9:
The other thing I was thinking was that Webb peaked too early with his win in France, his AR and the 1:43:xx 800 in Europe while Lagat was quietly preparing for the worlds. Webb has nothing to be ashamed of as he has had a huge breakthrough year for him, but it seemed like Lagat had his eye on the World Champ prize from the first day of the season...<HR>

I totally agree with this post. Peaking can be tricky. If he had been just a little bit sharper he could have won, it was a blanket finish.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by joev9:
The other thing I was thinking was that Webb peaked too early with his win in France, his AR and the 1:43:xx 800 in Europe while Lagat was quietly preparing for the worlds. Webb has nothing to be ashamed of as he has had a huge breakthrough year for him, but it seemed like Lagat had his eye on the World Champ prize from the first day of the season...<HR>

+1

quote:<HR>Originally posted by joev9:
Is anyone surprised that Lagat won the 1500M and Webb finished in 8th? <HR>

Before the Championships I would've been surprised, but not after the semi-final. As others have said, Webb had a greeat season, he just peaked too soon.

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http://www.runningbio.com/bio/profile/DanMoriarity/index.shtml[/URL" target="_blank">

It's not precociousness that's made me a little impatient with Webb...it's that it's taking him a LONG time to figure out how to race at the world level. I wish him well, but he's old enough to figure it out soon.

I just watched Lagat in the 5000m prelims, only the day after winning his gold. Man, that guy's tactics are perfect!! Placing himself 4th from last, then slowly working his way up during the race. Then out into Lane 3 with a few laps to go, positioning himself to go after whoever broke the race loose. When the race went he was right there, moving up to 3rd. He clearly could have gone harder, possibly for the win, but Bekele was there and it's only the prelims. He idled back, checked his 6, and finished contently in 3rd and moved on the the finals. THAT's how it's done.

A 3:00 first kilometre is part of the reason why. The first 4k in the race were so, so slow. They may as well have stopped the race after ten laps and given the gold medal to Lagat. He ran a great race, but his competitors just made sure that he'd win. I can't believe that a world title was won in 13:45.