Run-Down Forums

[Micah Ward]

I think Lynn Jennings may be the most recent US runner to win gold in world class comp with her cross country wins. Overall, our women may be ahead of the men when it comes to competing on world class levels. Deena Drossin in fact is probably the US distance runner who is closest to competing with the world's best.

[Conway]

Texas Relays '95 was where Mo first appeared as a blip on the map .. He solidified his claim to World Class by making the '95 Worlds team .. So he truly had reason to be upset when he didn't make the '96 team as he had already done so the previous year and was more "mature" and "seasoned" in '96 .. I think what he found in 95/96 was he lacked consistency not talent and I think that was the impetus for his move to California ..

I agree with Micah totally in that US women are much farther along than the men on the middle distance and distance scene .. Our women are definite contenders - although we will have to see where our 1500 women are this year !!!

[Dan]

No question the women have been competing at a higher level than the men for several years now, 800m and up. With Hamilton, Jacobs, and Miles-Clark winding down, there's definitely a changing of the guard to be concerned about, though. A few young guns like Hazel Clark and Sarah Schwald have shown the potential to step into that void, but it's too early to tell if that will materialize. I expect Deena will continue to rule the 10k for several more years.

Dan

[Conway]

Absolutely .. The women's 800/1500/3000 could well be headed for the same fate as the men's now - no where .. Not sure who is going to step into the 800 gap - I don't think youngn Clark has the potential .. But I do think there are a number of talented young 1500/3000 types who with the right set of circumstances could move into contention ..