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Too Close to Call
As I sat down to finalize my Predictions for Paris, I kept coming back to the same phrase – too close to call! Heading into these Games, we are blessed to have a literal cornucopia of talented athletes that we’ll get to watch go head to head in the Paris stadium. Add the installation of a new, fine tuned. Mondo surface. And there will be more than a few exciting events. There will be something special happening daily. Now, I check out the internet daily, and I know that many people have what they consider to be “strong” favorites in most events. I think in most instances however, there are…
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Pre Paris Thoughts
August 1st, the opening day of track and field in the Paris Olympics. We’re that close. Yet with nine Diamond League events done – one left before the opening ceremony. A full NCAA season completed. Numerous meets across the globe in the books. And every country’s selection process complete. The only thing that’s certain, is that we know who’s headed to the Paris stadium. Yes, we have some very strong favorites going in. Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, Mondo Duplantis, Faith Kipyegon to name a few. But if we learned anything from the US Trials (Athing MU & Brooke Anderson), anything can happen on any given day. That is why they compete.…
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Early Paris 100m Preview
You know, it’s funny how quickly things can change in track and field. In May many “fans” were complaining about how “slow” this year was! I said at the time that there was no reason for athletes to be running fast in April, or May. Not with Trials in late June and the Games a month after that. Yet the mumbling and grumbling continued. Now here we are in July – between the Trials and the Games – and the event lists are burning up! Suddenly, the men’s 100m in Paris is looking like it could be one of the best (I.e. fastest and deepest) ever. As there are two…
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It Doesn’t Get Much Better
It’s the toughest team in the world to make. That’s the general consensus when it comes to the US track and field team. Of course, if anyone has doubt, go and watch reruns of this year’s contest. Starting with the second half of the meet. Then try to pick your favorite event. Let’s see, you could select the men’s 110H. That has Grant Holloway running sub 13, three times. Two of them sub 12.90. Including 12.86, the #4 time in history (he also owns #2). Behind him were 12.93 (Freddie Crittenden) and 12.96 (Daniel Robert’s). Making this the first race in history with three men under 13.00! Times of 13.03…
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US Olympic Trials, First Half
The wait is finally over. The biggest meet outside of the Olympic Games is finally under way. Many of the world’s best athletes are American. Making the competition here very deep and competitive. Add the qualifying procedure that only places the top three finishers in each event, and you have a very electrifying meet. That’s exactly what we got the first four days. Tremendously exciting competition. With a team that’s going to be very competitive in Paris. There’ll be much to talk about when it’s all over, but here are some thoughts on the first half of these Olympic Trials. Disappointments – Not to sound negative, but the Trials…
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Pre Trials Thoughts
With most country’s selection meets literally days away, there are still many many questions regarding who will be lining up in Paris France. Not sure I can remember a year with so many late debuts, or so few competitions for athletes that should be in contention. Usually by now, I have a pretty good idea who will be on Team USA. Yes, there are always surprises, but in general the top athletes have usually separated themselves by now. This year however, is kind of like a box of chocolates. I’m not completely sure what we’re going to get. As a matter of fact, I would say my confidence level in…
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Two Weeks Until Trials
As the NCAA Championships end. The European Championships begin to hit their stride. And the New York Grand Prix is in the books. We sit two weeks away from the Olympic Trials! Usually by now, things are pretty solidified as far as who the strong contenders for Team USA are. As I look at my own notes, and graphs, etc however, I’m still hesitant on many many spots for this team. So much so that I’m also hesitant on selecting relay squads just yet! As I see a lot of spots still up in the air this late in the process. Why? Because many athletes have competed so little. For…
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Early Trials Thoughts
It’s about that time. We’re about three weeks until the Olympic Trials. Here in the US that’s what we call our Olympic team selection meet. Other countries call it something else. While still others use a completely different selection process. No matter what it’s called, or how it’s done, by the end of June we will know who will be competing in Paris! As the season has progressed, there has been much talk about the competitions to date and how athletes have looked. All of which is really preparation for the Trials and the subsequent Olympics. So, how do things look as we approach the Trials? It’s been a very…
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World Relays Review
Let me begin by saying that World Athletics needs to find a spot on the schedule for this meet every year. It’s always a fun exciting meet. Because relays are fun and exciting. It’s also an opportunity for to athletes to run without worrying about their times, won loss records, or anything related to their individual events. In short, I would call it a safe space to compete for the sports stars. So they show up and fans get a treat. One of the few things during the season that seems to be a win win for everyone! Something that doesn’t happen very often. Now, because it’s used to allow…
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It’s All About Timing
This past weekend track fans had events from Thursday thru Sunday! An entire weekend of track and field to enjoy. Literally nearly every corner of the globe was hosting a meet of some type. It was great to see so much action, especially with several meets being televised and streamed. I noticed a lot of criticism aimed at athletes who are not performing up to the expectations of some fans. In sport, timing is everything. It doesn’t matter the sport the most important thing is to be ready when it’s “winning time”. In the NFL and NBA that means playoff time. In track and field that means championship time. Which…