For complete coverage of the 2023 Pre Classic which is the first time the Diamond League final has been in the United States go here: www.letsrun.com/events/2023/0...
I had a print out on my wall of Ritz winning Foot Locker nationals when I was in high school. I had about 1/100th of the talent, but he (and Alan Webb) motivated me to give everything I had to mid distance running. I wasn't a world beater, but I broke my school's record in the 800 and won some league/regional titles. Small victories, for sure. But it was the purest and most rewarding pursuit I've ever had in my life, and I still miss that clarity of purpose. I appreciate the humbleness from Ritz, but he's an absolute legend. Congrats to Ritz and Yared!
Those two were my IDOLS in high school. I grew up near Alan Webb and was a few years younger than both, but as a pure distance runner, Ritz was my hero. Glad he’s coaching the great Goose at the moment. Love Yared. Hell of a year!
Can you imagine being the pacer that gets called to this race? You basically have to be a world class athlete to be able to pace someone else enough to be helpful. Awesome race.
Was wondering how the heck he’s radically lowered his times so much in two years. He’s got an honest coach, and all I can conclude is that his talent was not fully being tapped pre-Dathan’s coaching.
that and he had some injuries in his college years and pre tokyo olympics, plus now that hes out of college he can put all of his efforts into running. great examples being nutrition, and sleep (i myself can say both of these things aren't the best for me in college lol)
He was hitting the books in a way most T&F athletes aren’t. He seriously anticipated he would be starting his first semester of dental school this fall. Dude is different. Easy to root for!
Dathan has got that magic touch as a coach. Not everyone at OAC has thrived but the ones who have had success have done some things I really didnt think were possible. Dathan saw it all, with multiple coaches from HS through his long pro career.
Jakob wasn’t just stronger at the end, was he? He took it up with two laps to go. Credit to both men for their incredible speed. I never believed Jakob (or anyone else) would have the speed to get that close to El-G’s record; it’s thrilling that the season has ended with such a blistering effort. Still quite a margin to find, though. Six tenths is no joke.
