With there being many #ForeverBuffs pro track and field stars (lead by Olympic medalists and past world champions Jenny Simpson and Emma Coburn) active, I have been planning on starting this thread so we can note and comment on any news from the Pro Buffs during this outdoor season. (Assume THE highlighted races and events this season the elite runners will be pointing to will be the Diamond League Championships, which look to be scheduled for the end of August.)
I am starting this now because Jenny Simpson (maybe the greatest U.S. Championship race distance runner of either gender in the modern era***) has started off the season STRONG by setting an American record in the 2 mile run. (This isn't a world standard distance, so isn't run that often compared to others, but a record is a record, especially this early in a season!)
CONGRATS TO HER!
(And props to #ForeverBuff (and still Wetmore/ Burroughs coached teammate) Shalaya Kipp for the pacing.)
Amateur Youtube video of the race -
***For those who don't follow that closely- in addition to her high profile bronze in the 1500M in the last Olympics, Ms. Simpson has been EXTREMELY strong and consistent in the World Championships (these are considered at least (if not more) prestigious to track fans than the Olympics), where she has earned a gold and two silvers over the years. (Believe the only time she hasn't medalled in her last 4 World Championships was when she was "flat-tired" and lost a shoe during the 2015 Championships race.)
Note- This is the one of every four years where there is neither an Olympics or World Championships (which are run every other year) held. Therefore, this is often when runners (1) concentrate a little more on earning record times- either U.S, world or personal bests) than winning races (although I'm sure for the likes of Ms,'s. Simpson and Coburn a Diamond League Championship might still be a/ the major goal for the year) and (2) will run other distances than their specialties.
I am starting this now because Jenny Simpson (maybe the greatest U.S. Championship race distance runner of either gender in the modern era***) has started off the season STRONG by setting an American record in the 2 mile run. (This isn't a world standard distance, so isn't run that often compared to others, but a record is a record, especially this early in a season!)
CONGRATS TO HER!
(And props to #ForeverBuff (and still Wetmore/ Burroughs coached teammate) Shalaya Kipp for the pacing.)
Amateur Youtube video of the race -
***For those who don't follow that closely- in addition to her high profile bronze in the 1500M in the last Olympics, Ms. Simpson has been EXTREMELY strong and consistent in the World Championships (these are considered at least (if not more) prestigious to track fans than the Olympics), where she has earned a gold and two silvers over the years. (Believe the only time she hasn't medalled in her last 4 World Championships was when she was "flat-tired" and lost a shoe during the 2015 Championships race.)
Note- This is the one of every four years where there is neither an Olympics or World Championships (which are run every other year) held. Therefore, this is often when runners (1) concentrate a little more on earning record times- either U.S, world or personal bests) than winning races (although I'm sure for the likes of Ms,'s. Simpson and Coburn a Diamond League Championship might still be a/ the major goal for the year) and (2) will run other distances than their specialties.