More kids training with effective programs for 3200 to 5k development. Better educated HS coaches and kids seeing what is possible.

Better daily training shoes help more kids manage higher mileage programs without the minor pains that set kids back (shin splints, knee pain, etc.). I don’t think there are fewer stress fractures, unfortunately.

Super shoes take significant time off race results, especially for naturally less efficient runners like Hs kids, but it isn’t just that.

Overall, I think the distribution curve for 3200 times in the last 5 years has probably dropped 10-15 seconds. In terms of long term potential, I’d look at Danny’s 8:34 like we would have looked at 8:44 when Clinger or Mantz were in HS. I’d look at a 9 flat like a 9:15 from a decade ago.