20 years ago they made the movie on Prefontaine and his '72 Olympics race. A funny line was drawn up about his race and his specific race tactic during that '72 race. I believe he ran a 4:06 final mile after the 1st 2mi which was at a snails pace. Essentially Pre's tactics "made" the race, while others won the race. His coach said "what more could he have done". To me AB is kinda falling into that category. That his mere presence in the race is going to mean the S and B are going to be "hot". Adding a athlete of his ability to at times already a strong front group, puts a ton of more pressure on the race. So I think he's one of the best "race animators" in the sport. I think during his ITU days, he simply could do all that and still kick everyone's ass, all while calling them wankers during the race and in the post race interviews.

So to me AB is the type of athlete the race needs because you know he's going to bring it. I just don't think he can close the deal anymore. So in essence his tactics likely play as important of a role in determining the outcome than the winner's did.

And no he could miss out on a podium for the next 5 years and it not mess up his legacy. I think he's simply an athlete dealing with the fact that for 10+ years of his life, he could count on it at min on the 1 day of the year he needed it. I think he's now basically paying for that type of training and racing "abuse" he's put on his body.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II