Mutola whupped by some unknown Kenyan !!!

[mike renfro]

I find it instructive never to use the word "unknown" (at least in the sense of "surprise") in the same sentence with "Kenyan" when it comes to running. If they're good enough to make an international team, by definition it means they pack the gears to challenge for the front.

Too true, if they made it through the trials you know they have skills... much like a US sprinter

But it can be even more deceiving in Kenya because of the altitude factor. And American sprinter will always have a pretty decent time to his credit. But an "unknown" Kenyan can make the team with a slow time in the steeple/5/10 in Nairobi. Tricky stuff!

True, but most people subtract a bit off Nairobi times (a lot in 10K) in working out who is ready.

[Pego]

Mutola's best days are behind her. She'll never run better than 1:56.5 again. You heard it here. She's now one of the older women in the game, and the training takes a bigger toll on you the older you get.

Kurt

I agree. IMHO, her WI gold was her swan song.

[huh?]

. . . most people subtract a bit off Nairobi times (a lot in 10K) in working out who is ready.

Don't you mean they add something to the Nairobi times in the distance races. If you subtract a bit (or a lot) from the time, you make it faster.

[ozvault]

As far as "unknowns" are concerned, how many regulars here knew of Celene Laporte of Seychelles? She won the bronze medal in the long jump (losing the silver on a countback) in 6.57, beating Anju Bobby George, Elva Goulbourne and Jade Johnson in the process.

[deuch]

Re: Mutola whupped by some unknown Kenyan !!!

mutola soundly thrashed by some skinny, unknown kenyan who charged past a flailing mutola in the stretch, to win it in 1'57+

kenya found a lady 800m runner !!!

Last years fastest times put Janeth Jepkosgei sixth behind five russians. Mutola was thirteenth!
You might expect some development from the younger runner so in a fast race the result should not be in doubt.
Perhaps Mutolas only chance was to physically intimidate the thinner runner but Jepkosgei ran behind her while Mutola and Kenia Sinclair ran up front.

[runningscotsman]

The Kenyan women definitely have the genes to do well at 800 and I hope this inpires more of them to focus on the event. Anyhow, where´d Mutola get all those muscles :?:

[nevetsllim]

The Kenyan women definitely have the genes to do well at 800 and I hope this inpires more of them to focus on the event. Anyhow, where´d Mutola get all those muscles :?:

Christ-have you just noticed? You make it sound like she was one skinny 800m gal and was suddenly all muscular.

Maria Mutola has always been strong and muscular. I have her 800m heat from Seoul and she was very muscular then.

[Andrea_T]

The irony is, however, that Eldy commented on her last year when she broke the NR:

My word, you have a good memory. Keeping an eye on that topic too, or use your initiative and do a search?
:P