As I’m checking through results this morning, I see that USATF President Stephenie HIghtower is debating whether or not to “waive” the rule that defending World Champions must compete at our National Championships in order to defend at Worlds. The issue in her mind being that “rules are rules”, and wondering if they would be “setting a precedent” by allowing him to run without competing at Nationals. I’m going to give you my two cents and then you can state your opinion either by voting on the poll to the right and/or leaving a comment. Based on the history of the “Wild Card” for Worlds precedent has already been set.…

With the indoor season now beginning to heat up, it’s time to wrap up previews on athletes to watch this year. So last but not least is my list of Americans to watch this year. A tough list since I have so many favorites and see so much potential for this season. Trying to narrow down the list to only ten was much harder than I thought it would be  – so I extended the field to what I’m calling my “Track and Field Dozen”. Some are names that are everyone’s lips, and some are individuals that may not be. The one thing that they all have in common is…

What has been a relatively quiet indoor season began to pick up the pace this past weekend as we begin to see more of the elite athletes taking the stage. This past weekend we saw several in action. Multi eventers Ashton Eaton (US) and Jessica Ennis (GBR) showed very good early season form. Ennis taking over the world lead in the 60H (8.03) and setting a shot PR of 47’ 11.25”. While Eaton turned in marks of 16’ 8.75” in the pole vault, 7.68 in the 60H and a 1:55.90 in the 800! At this rate both athletes will be forces to recon with in their respective multi events this…

One of the nice things about this sport is watching the development of youth. While it is harder these days to make an impact internationally as a young person, the opportunity is still there for many. Following are ten young people that I think will have that opportunity in 2011.    Kirani James – Granada – 400 meters This young man was just a breath away from running under 45 seconds last year in the quarter (45.01) – and he was only 18 years old! The World Youth Champion in ‘09, he added the World Junior title and NCAA title to his resume in 2010. Next stop, Daegu. And I…

There is a  discussion on the table as to what will happen to London’s new Olympic track once the games are over. Apparently a soccer league wants to take over the facility, tear it down and rebuild it without the track – and that is drawing criticism from some corners. As well it should in my opinion. The Olympic Stadium is the focal point of the Games themselves. Although it doesn’t seem like it during the three years between Games, track and field IS the heart of the Games. So it would seem that somehow the Games – the Olympic movement – should play a role in advancing the state…

Doping is proving to be the biggest problem facing track and field – because it’s an issue that it just can’t seem to get right. And that’s saying a lot given the problems it faces in marketing; getting it’s best athletes to compete against each other; and finances – specifically getting enough revenue to pay more than a handful of athletes what they are truly worth. So to say that doping may be the biggest problem of them all is saying a mouthful. But just take a look at the latest blunder in the sport – this time coming out of the IOC. Most are familiar with the case of…

Being a World Championship season, 2011 will no doubt have it’s share of “hot” events. I’ve already taken a look at some of the stars that I think bear watching this year – and by association so should their events. But there is one event that I think could be the star of the season – the men’s 200 meters! Why the men’s 200? After all it’s typically the 100 that has fan’s mouths drooling. Well, because right now the deuce has it all – star quality, depth, rising stars, intriguing stories and a rivalry. Everything you need for one outstanding event. Yes, the 100 usually gets top billing –…

Originally I thought about putting together a list of 10 athletes to watch this year. But as I surveyed the track and field landscape I decided that there are so many more athletes that deserve to be mentioned. So I’m going to do this in stages, starting with Ten International (non US) stars that I will be watching this year. I will also be taking a look at some Americans that I will be watching closely as well as some young talent that I think may have an impact this year – there is a lot of good young talent out there. But first I will take a look at…

I was quite excited to read that Italian long jumper Andrew Howe has plans to start sprinting again. Howe has long exhibited a talent for the 200 meters. He ran 20.99 as a 16 year old a decade ago, and followed up with 20.28 as a 19 year old, He still sits at #12 all time as a Junior in spite of running the event only “part time”! The names of those who performed better as a junior include Francis Obikwelu (20.24), Joe Deloach (20.24), Dwayne Evans (20.22), Walter Dix (20.18), and Usain Bolt (19.93). All Olympic medalists in the event and all but Evans sub20 performers. While Howe has…

Goodbye 2010. Welcome 2011. Last year was fun, but there is something special about having a Major championship to look forward to. It makes the season seem more “official”. The athletes seem to feel that way anyway. Last year saw many athletes take time off, and end season’s early. We may see more athletes begin their seasons a bit later this year – as they extend their preparation for Daegu. But one thing is for certain – the competition should be fierce this year. With that in mind, here are 10 things that I think will bear watching in 2011.   The Collegiate Indoor Championships The indoor season has lost…