Who'll be better in the 1500m in 2005, Alan Webb or Ivan Heshko?

[Dragonsoul]

Alan Webb and Ivan Heshko both seem to remind me of each other. Caucasian elite milers who are near the top and have great kicks. Both have had huge improvements recently. Ivan Heshko likes to focus on his kick I believe but Alan Webb tries to stay closer to rabbit I think.

Ivan Heshko ran 3:32 in 2003 and won a bronze in the World Champs. In 2004 he ran 3:30 and was fifth in the Olympics after going after the Gold.

Alan Webb had a slower 2003 season with only a 3:58 mile but in 2004 he improved to 3:32 and 3:50 but didn't make the Olympics final.

Who will be the better runner this year for the 1500? Consider many factors like:

1. Who will have the faster 1500/Mile time?
2. Who will place higher in Helsinki?
3. Who will place higher in head to head meetings?
4. Who will defeat the most top 1500 racers?

Vote! Who will be the best this year? Part of me knows that Heshko is a formidable opponent with a very fast time but Alan Webb is improving, it's difficult to say. I'm choosing too close to call. :rolleyes::eek:!

[run_nyc]

heshko. WEbb hasn't done any thing on a championship caliber race. Heshko has 2 second pr and is a legit contender for helsinki gold. Is Webb a contender for finals?

[Jolly Farm]

Is Webb a contender for finals?

I think it's pretty safe to say that he is.

[Dragonsoul]

I think Heshko is a top threat for Helsinki. I do not see him defeating Hicham El Guerrouj. I see him more likely to beat Bernard Lagat but I don't think that would happen, also Bernard Lagat isn't racing there. I think he could get silver. Alan Webb if he was in the Athens final probably would have placed 6th-9th. They closed in 1:46 and his pr was 1:46. I know they went out in over two minutes but still I don't think he would have been able to hang. Would he have defeated Michael East? I think this year he can medal if he runs well. But yes Heshko could be better, it's hard to say. One part of me says Heshko runs better but since I'm USA I'm wondering if Webb can make an improvement this year. This is good.

I believe last year Webb hit the A standard earlier than he expected and they adjusted his training for a little later peak. It appears he ended up being in top shape for London. In Athens I saw the race and during times where it looked like it would be good for him to move up he just didn't move up. I wonder if he was tired or he was just planning to stay a little back. This year I believe he's adjusting his training a little bit for a later peak and he will adjust his tactics. This is interesting! :rolleyes::eek:!!!