The Real Science of Sport Podcast Tokyo Day 5: A Men’s 1500 Surprise Dissected / A Brutal Women’s’ Steeple How Fast Will Sydney ML Go?
Sep 17, 2025
The men’s 1500m final delivered a stunning upset as Isaac Nader claimed victory, leaving favorites in disbelief. Analyzing the race reveals tactical miscalculations due to slow early pacing. Meanwhile, the women’s steeplechase showcased a fierce battle where technique faltered under fatigue, affecting key contenders. Looking ahead, excitement builds for the 400m finals, with predictions flying regarding Sydney McLaughlin Levine's potential to break the world record. The discussion dives deep into the science of pacing and athletic performance.
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1500m Upset Shows Event Depth
- The men's 1500m final produced a major upset with Isaac Nader winning despite low pre-race attention.
- Depth and tactical variability in the event make repeat champions rare and outcomes unpredictable.
Slow Paces Favor Fast Finishers
- Slow early pacing in tactical middle-distance races invites many athletes into a final sprint.
- That pattern rewards athletes with superior 100m finishing speed rather than front-running strength.
Kerr Hurt Mid-Race While Boxed In
- Josh Kerr suffered an injury mid-race after running deep in the pack and began to hobble.
- His limp effectively ended his chance and removed a major pre-race contender from the contest.
