Each of the past two seasons we’ve had a new track meet, or series of meets to look forward to in the US. Two years ago, it was Athlos, which turned out to be a nice competition, that repeated last year, with a promise to expand this year. Last year, it was Grand Slam Track, which sounded promising, but had lots of questions that were finally answered when it was discovered that the money wasn’t really there. This year, we’re getting the “USATF Tour”, and as with GST, I have thoughts and questions before a single meet is run. If you haven’t heard, this “Tour” was announced late last year…

Everyone knows the story of Grand Slam Track by now. A new track circuit, there are no leagues, Diamond or otherwise. Perportedly with $30 million, to pay over $12 million in prize money over four meets to 96 athletes. Started modestly, ended before the final competition. Athletes and vendors go un paid. Finally files for bankruptcy. That’s the short version. The internet has since gone nuts, blasting Grand Slam and Michael Johnson. Saying that it set the sport back, and that it’s failure will make it difficult for anything new to emerge moving forward. I disagree. History tells us that many of the greatest things ever created, came after failure.…

I have lots of issues with how the sport of track and field is run in the United States. Issues that I will be discussing during this upcoming winter in hopes of inspiring change. One thing that I do think we get right however, is the proliferation of relay events in the spring!  Relays are potentially the most exciting events in the sport. With multiple individuals involved, they are the events with the most change occurring during the race itself. Relays also add a “team” dynamic to the sport, enhancing school, regional, and even national pride in the sport. Look no further than the World Championships and Olympic relay events,…

As the final meet of the year, Athlos, prepared. to be run, perhaps the biggest announcement of the season was made – that Femke Bol was changing events and going to the 800m! I, like many people, was surprised at this news. Though I thin kI was surprised for different reasons. Most were surprised at the move from the hurdles to the 800m. Personally I’m surprised that she’s leaving the hurdles at all. Yes, she’s won two World titles, but she hasn’t won an Olympic title, and her last Olympic race was not her best in my humble opinion. She is number two all time, and only the second person…

. I’ve already have given my Thoughts T on the meets premier events – the men and women’s 100m. Difficult doing Previews with fields being determined so late. Just another issue with the sport – everything is a secret until the final hours! Made more difficult with the US squad being the last one announced, as many potential medalists are expected from Team USA . We’re now within a few hours of the opening gun, so rather than more event Previews, I’m just going to go through my thoughts on the meet itself, as well as several “highlight” events and individuals. Let’s start with the location, because Tokyo played host…

All of the preliminary events have been completed, so all that’s left now is the crowning of World champions, which will begin in just over a week. While I wanted to start discussing events sooner, I waited until official roosters were available, and unfortunately those only recently dropped. Leaving little time for Predictions. However, there are two track events that grab everyone’s imaginations, the 100m and 1500m. So, I’m going to take a look at these before competition begins, starting with both the men and women’s 100m. Two races that have been central to this season from the start, and which should both produce great results and drama in Tokyo.…