Most distinct differences between the two elite runners is that Kiplagat is powering herself forward by making big strides (running WITH) the legs). Dibaba stays more compact and seems to run "on" the legs in stead of "with" them. She's able to land lands closer under the body, her cadence is higher and her groundcontact times are shorter.
Nevertheless both athletes are worldclass runners. Unfortunately Kiplagat is injured pretty often an was hardly able to run since 2009 :-(.
to me it seems like Dibaba has awesome forefoot strike and Kiplagat has awesome heel strike. Interesting with the comment about Kiplagats injuries since from what I gather one of the downsides with heel strike compared to forefoot strike is supposed to be just that, heelstrikers are more prone to injuries.
somefuckstolemynick 6 months ago