by Larry EderSo, Jenny Simpson won the silver In London in the 1,500 meters. This was her fourth medal in the distance. In 2011, Jenny took gold in Daegu in the 1,500 meter World Champs, silver in Moscow 2013, and then, bronze in the Rio Olympics.
Jenny Simpson, photo by PhotoRun.net
Here medal in London was not unexpected, but take a gander at the 1,500 meters for women, probably the toughest race on the women’s middle and long distances. With 200 meters to go, Jenny Simpson was fighting hard, with Faith Kipyegon following Sifan Hassan, who had some amazing times prior to the World Champs.
You can see Jenny Simpson thinking. At 170 meters to go, Simpson lays back as Laura Muir, Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan battle. Will Simpson have enough room to medal?
Then, it happens. Sifan Hassan collapses, Faith Kipyegon flys by, and Laura Muir is giving it her all. Jenny Simpson goes on the inside, passed Muir, then gets by Hassan.
Jenny Simpson used a world of experience to keep her cool, then, sprint. Simpson pulled the best impersonation of Steve Ovett at the 1977 World Cup where he made this inside lane move.
Jenny Simpson is fast. There are alot of fast women at 1,500 meters, several faster than Jenny Simpson. But, few, sports fans can race better. Her silver medal showed that this American middle distance runner has an amazing ability to read race situations and the fatigue of other athletes. This is a skill set, my friends.
I enjoy watching Jenny Simpson racing. She is also a great interview. But Simpson’s finest skill is being ready to race in the big races. This, kind readers, is the true skill set. Jenny Simpson is the female version of Fermin Cacho, the Spanish Olympic champion in 1992. Cacho had eyes in the back of his head, and few could get the jump on him.
Can Jenny Simpson win another global medal?
Hell yes.
