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Budapest Predictions
We’re almost there. Literally days away from the 2023 version of the World Championships in Budapest Hungary. As usual the internet is buzzing with discussions of athletes and predictions. Though this time around there’s as much bad news as good news. For example, the British team has decided not to take some qualified athletes. Choosing to only take those it deems to be contenders. Causing a bit of controversy in good old Britain. The Athletes Integrity Unit has been busy since Nationals. Handing out suspensions to several athletes. Most notable being former pole vault gold medalist Thiago Braz (use of a prohibited substance); hurdle WR holder Tobi Amusan (whereabouts failure);…
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US Relay Thoughts Heading Into Budapest
Now that teams have been selected for Worlds, one of the biggest questions roaming the internet is, who will represent the US in the relays? Relay selection for us is nearly always controversial. While most countries either know exactly the composition of their squads, or have a pretty good idea who will represent them. Our selection process leaves us with new squads every year. In some cases with repeat members. Sometimes with completely new squads! In the 4×4 it’s easily manageable, because exchanges are simple. In the 4×1 it is a bit more problematic however, because passing the stick requires more coordination and timing at those speeds. And in general…
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A Solid US Team is Headed to Budapest
Another Championships is in the book. The American team has been selected, for this year’s World Championships and it looks to be pretty strong. Our depth across the board is pretty amazing. As we have world leading athletes in most disciplines, both men and women. In many events we will be leaving athletes at home that are capable of standing on the podium in Budapest. Making me wish for A Worlds that was not so restrictive in representation. Another conversation entirely. For now, we have what we have. In that regard, we’ll be a string as ever. Here are a few of my favorite highlights from this year’s Championships. Men’s…
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It’s Time to Move US Nationals
Judging by comments on the internet, it seems like most people are dissatisfied with the location of US Nationals and the Olympic Trials being constantly in Eugene Oregon. “Most people” includes fans, athletes and coaches. This is not a negative about the people of Eugene, who have learned to put on a first class meet. But more about the location of Eugene itself. It’s a small town with limited access and amenities. No international airport access. Limited number of hotel rooms. Limited number of eateries, etc. All of which makes it very expensive for athletes, coaches, and fans that want/need to attend the meet. These are the complaints being aired…
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The Idiocy of the False Start Rule
Over the past several seasons, perhaps the most debated rule in the sport of track and field has been the false start rule. Why? Because there have been many, many questionable calls. With several athletes being thrown out of races without any visible signs of movement. And fans left feeling that they’ve been robbed of watching athletes they’ve paid good money to see perform. This is not the way to promote your sport. Especially when it affects events with many of the sport’s most popular athletes – the sprints, hurdles, and relays. Arguably the most exciting events on the track. Why is this happening? Aside from the basics of the…
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Hot Relay Weekend – Post Meet Thoughts
The stars came out this past weekend and track and field shined brightly as a result. That’s the verdict of fans everywhere that watched either of the Texas or Florida Relays. Two of the hottest relay meets of the spring, and annually the coming out party of many of the sport’s domestic stars. Results are readily available. As a matter of fact, http://www.ustfccca.org/meets-result, is my weekly go to for meet information in general – including results. So, I’m not going to pretend to try to give you all of the awesome results here. What I am going to do however, is give you my impression of several races and performances…
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Texas and Florida Signal Start of the Season
This year’s indoor season was as good as I’ve ever seen. Personally I much prefer outdoors, but the marks that were churned out this year, were nothing short of stellar. Especially on the women’s side. This coming with most “elite” athletes either not competing at all indoors, or only making a brief appearance. Still we got WR’s from Mondo Duplantis (6.22m), Ryan Crouser (23.38m), and Femke Bol (49.26). We also got great marks from Grant Holloway (7.35), Trayvon Bromell (6.42), and Britton Wilson (49.49). Marks good enough to be outstanding outdoors! Which is where we’re finally headed. There have been a few meets already, but with the Florida and Texas…
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What’s Happening to Track and Field?
How do you ruin something good? Well, how about trying to fix something that isn’t broken? Like trying to get rid of the 200 and triple jump. I mean who needs Noah Lyles, Erriyon Knighton, Kenny Bednarek, Shericka Jackson, Abby Steiner, Christian Taylor, or Yulimar Rojas in the sport? Maybe you could invalidate the competition of all field events except the final attempt? Making only the final jump or throw matter! I mean, who cares what the athletes did previously? Why should it matter if a record was set in one of the previous FIVE attempts? Perhaps you should use electronic equipment, like starting blocks and computers, that can sense…
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Sprints Preview, 2023
The 2022 season is done. Athletes have been on holiday/vacation and gotten a well deserved rest. Now, after recharging, most are either headed back to training or will be heading back shortly. The new goal, to get ready for a run at the podium in Budapest. That’s how athletics is. Each year is literally a new year. One year you can win gold. The next year you may not even make the final – maybe not even the team if you’re an American. It takes a lot of hard work to become a world class athlete. It’s even harder to stay there. That’s the story that unfolds each season. Who…
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Sydney’s Mission, Should She Accept It
Sydney McLaughlin has become a major force in the 400 hurdles. At the tender age of twenty three, she’s won an Olympic title, a World title, and set three world records! Oh, she’s also run seven of the top ten times ever run in the event. All in the two seasons since Covid. Her most recent record of 50.68 is considered Beamonesque by most. Meaning it’s so good, that it could be decades before anyone else will be able to approach it. So, when you are that good, what do you do next? Well, prior to the World Championships, her coach, Bobby Kersee, said that if she put the record…