Allyson Felix

[booond]

They will still probably lobby for it (no harm done) and then next year, subtly say "nah, nevermind".

This is the correct answer. Never show your cards until you have to.

[jazzcyclist]

As far as age is concerned, we've seen late-bloomers blow away the competition before. The best example is obviously Ottey and her 10.74 at 36. I'd even put Sánchez and his London 2012 400H performance, 3 weeks away from his 35th birthday, in that category.

What competition did Ottey blow away at 36? She only got silver in Atlanta. Anyway, I'm sure you'll agree with me that Ottey is an outliner when it comes to longevity.

[jazzcyclist]

This is the correct answer. Never show your cards until you have to.

I guess a lot can happen in the next year. Not only are injuries to the competition a factor, but with women, there's always the issue of pregnancy that can end a season, though I don't recall a recent medal contender getting pregnant in an Olympic year.

[booond]

What competition did Ottey blow away at 36? She only got silver in Atlanta. Anyway, I'm sure you'll agree with me that Ottey is an outliner when it comes to longevity.

My guess, with the WCs and a little bit of money being thrown around, you'll see more oldtimers hanging on.

[CookyMonzta]

What competition did Ottey blow away at 36? She only got silver in Atlanta. Anyway, I'm sure you'll agree with me that Ottey is an outliner when it comes to longevity.

It may have been a Euro-circuit meet (one race), but 10.74 is 10.74; which is to say that no one saw that coming at her age, especially after her Atlanta performance.