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); and high school sprint records setter Issam Assinga (use of a prohibited substance). Finally, as we head into the last moments of preparation, we get word that Sydney McLaughlin will not be running in Budapest due to a minor knee injury. And teammate Athing Mu just may not run, choosing to wait for Paris. While these things have caused a bit of hysteria online, none is overly surprising. Unfortunately this is the world of sport and things, unexpected things, happen. I’m track and field, every nation is responsible for deciding how it will “staff” it’s squad for Worlds. I’m not a fan of what Britain did, but that’s their choice. Everyone says we want a clean sport and that’s what the AIU is attempting to do. I can’t be mad at them, but I am concerned that that is where the athletes are, still. That another conversation for another day. Then there’s Sydney and Athing. It’s called free will and choice – their choice. My concern is that the World Championships is considered so much less than the Olympics in their, and other athletes and coaches eyes. THAT is a problem. Again another conversation for another day. Clearly there’s much to talk about post Budapest, outside of just the results. All that said, there is a BIG meet coming up this week. And I’m spite of the loss of the above athletes, there will be a plethora of talent on hand. The truth is that there are always to level athletes that miss championships for various reasons. This is not new. The world isn’t sending. Frankly, even without these athletes, Budapest has the potential to be one of the best championships in songs time! So let’s take a quick look at what’s ahead.

I watched both the London and Monaco Diamond League meets which were the final high level Diamond League meets before the break. These final competitions produced several outstanding results. The best in my opinion starting with Femke Bol running 51.45 in London. Only Sydney’s 50.68 and 51.41 are better. Karsten Warholm ran 46.51 in Monaco to show his fitness. With Alison dos Santos opening in the hurdles with 47.66. Noah Lyles crushed a 19.47 200m in London with Letsile Tebogo finishing fast at 19.50. Shericka Jackson cruised a 21.86 deuce of her own in Monaco. Then was beaten in the 100m by TaLou (10.75) in London. JuVaughn Harrison pulls off a huge upset over Barshim with his 2.37m London win. Ryan Crouser a huge 23.07m throw in London, as Grant Holloway tunes up with a 13.01 with Japanese hurdler, Izumiya, running 13.06. And I can’t leave out the return to the track of Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, who’s twice run 10.8’s in non Diamond League competition.

These marks indicate tremendous levels of fitness for the majority of the competitors that we anticipate will be in contention for the medals in Budapest. This has been the pattern in 2023, with great performances being produced weekly. Leading up to what I’m anticipating to be one of the more exciting iterations of the World Championships that we have seen. So, what am I anticipating with just one week to go?

Let’s begin with the men’s sprints. Typically the 100m is the sprint highlight of any major championship, but so far this year it’s just been, ok. Good races, but a lack of jaw dropping times. Given good health for everyone, I see Fred Kerley as an easy favorite. Who finishes behind him is a mystery for me. Zharnel Hughes had a great race setting the British record, but it’s very inconsistent. Ferdinand Omanyala doesn’t run week outside of Africa. Christian Coleman looked “good” at nationals, after not looking so good earlier. Young Letsile Tebogo has potential star written all over him. And recently Olympic champion, Lamont Jacobs, has indicated that he will be in Budapest after opting out of several earlier races. This will be one of the most unpredictable 100’s in years.

Similarly I believe the 400m should be a two man race between WR holder Wayde van Niekerk who seems to be completely back from his 2017 knee injury; and former World champion Steven Gardiner, this year’s World leader at 43.74. But who finishes behind them is really up in the air. Frankly the 200m is the race that I’m really looking forward to, as it appears to be the much deeper event this year! Let’s start with Noah Lyles. A two time world champion and the AR holder at 19.31. He’ll be joined by Erriyon Knighton, the U20 record holder at 19.69 – though he’s run a non ratified 19.49. Then there’s this year’s revelation, U20 100m record holder Letsile Tebogo, who ran 19.50 in the 200 behind Noah’s WL 19.47 in London! World silver medalist Kenny Bednarek (19.68), NCAA champion Udodi Onwuzurike (19.76) and improving Zharnel Hughes (19.73) create what could be the deepest 200m field in history. If the WR has ever been under threat, it could be this year. Ironically the Diamond League wanted to get rid of this event just a few years ago! My podium picks for the men.

100m
Fred Kerley – USA
Christian Coleman – USA
Zharnel Hughes – GBR

200m
Noah Lyles – USA
Erriyon Knighton – USA
Letsile Tebogo – BOT

400m
Wayde van Niekerk – RSA
Steven Gardiner – BAH
Emanuel Bamidele – NGR

Looking at the women’s sprints, it’s my humble opinion that they’re much more competitive across the board than the men’s events. The 100m is a four woman race on the top end. With Sha’Carri Richardson (10.71), Shericka Jackson (10.65), Maree Josee TaLou (10.75) and Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (10.60) set to face off. Throw in Dina Asher Smith, Daryl Neita, and Julien Alfred and we have a group of women with PB’s in the mid 10.8’s, that have the potential to break thru at any moment.The favorite depends on who you are talking to. At various moments Richardson and Jackson have looked like “sure things”. TaLou has been extremely steady and under raced. Shelly Ann just really started running in the last few weeks. Round management and mental strength will decide this one. The 200m will see Jackson (21.71), Alfred (21.91), and Richardson (21.95) joined by US champion Gabby Thomas (21.60) this year’s World leader. Shericka ran 21.45 to win last year’s title over a field that didn’t have an injured Thomas. They’re the favorites here, but I just mention that Richardson ran a slightly windy 21.61 of her own at nationals in the rounds. Making her very dangerous. The event that everyone has been talking about this year is the 400m. That’s because Sydney McLaughlin had chosen to take her talent to this event in an effort to chase the WR here to go with her record in the 400H. Even with her withdrawal however, this event is a lot more than Syd, as everyone has really stepped up this year. And we could see a final with everyone under 50.00! Olympic silver medalist, Marileidy Paulino has run 48.98 herself. Collegiate champion, Rhasidat Adeleke, ran 49.20 for her title. Although US runner up, Britton Wilson, ran a CR 49.12 earlier in the season. Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek has been running very well, and is down to 49.48. And the elephant in the room in my opinion is 2019 champion Salwa Eid Naser (48.14) the #4 all time performer, who is back on the track after missing lady season due to a whereabouts suspension. She’s at 49.78 as we head to Budapest. The final here should be one for the ages. My podium picks.

100m
Sha’Carri Richardson – USA
Shericka Jackson – JAM
Maree Josee TaLou – CIV

200m
Shericka Jackson – JAM
Gabby Thomas – USA
Sha’Carri Richardson – USA

400m
Salwa Eid Naser – BRN
Britton Wilson – USA
Marileidy Paulino – DOM

Next let’s look at the hurdles. As exciting as the sprints are, these races could over shadow them! That’s because there are legit world record threats across the board in these events. Starting with the men’s 110H. The star in this event since 2019 is two time world champion Grant Holloway who’s best of 12.81 is just .01 off the WR. Grant has run 12.98 heading into Budapest, but it’s only #3 on the world list. His challengers are this year’s revelation, Cordell Tinch (12.96) Division II college champion, and last year’s revelation Rasheed Broadbell who leads the world at 12.94. Add Daniel Roberts (13.01) and up and coming Shunsuke Izumiya (13.06). And we have what is potentially one of the best finals ever. Speaking of best finals ever, we have the three fastest 400Hers ever getting ready to face off again! That would be WR holder Karsten Warholm who’s run 46.50 this year! Right behind him in Tokyo, and on this year’s yearly list is Rai Benjamin with his 46.62. Last year’s world champion, Alison dos Santos has knee surged earlier in the year, but recently opened his season at 47.66 – with time to prepare for Budapest. Frankly, everyone else is filler here. In spite of at least there others running under 48.00. As the big three all have bests under 46.30! Incredible when you consider that the old WR of 46.72 lasted for over 25 years! My hurdle podium picks.

110H
Grant Holloway – USA
Rasheed Broadbell – JAM
Daniel Roberts – USA

400H
Karsten Warholm – NOR
Alison dos Santos – BRA
Rai Benjamin – USA

The women’s hurdles will be just as exciting as the men’s. Especially the 100H. I’ll start with the fact that WR holder Tobi Amusan is facing a whereabouts suspension as we head into Budapest. She’s appealing, but we don’t know if this will be decided before the start of the World Championships. So, I will not be including her in this assessment. With that backdrop, the event is still extremely deep. Former WR holder Keni Harrison (12.20) is an Olympic and World silver medalist looking to upgrade. Olympic gold medalist, Jasmine Camacho Quinn (12.26) has been the most dominant hurdler on the planet. Save for two rounds in Tokyo! They will be joined by Americans Nia Ali (12.30) and Masai Russell (12.36). So, even without Amusan, this final will be hot! With WR potential. Like the short hurdles, the 400H will also be without the WR holder. Remember that Sydney McLaughlin has chosen to run the open 400m and won’t be competing in the hurdles at Worlds this year. Yet the event will not be lacking in star power! Former WR holder, World/Olympic gold medalist, and #3 all time Delilah Muhammad (51.58) has made the US squad. Along with #5 all time, Shamier Little (52.39); and former collegiate champion Anna Cockrell (53.79). The most dominant hurdler this year however, has been Femke Bol, who has run 52 seconds at will. And become #2 all time with her recent 51.45! That race looked easy enough that I care say she might be able to break 51 seconds. Budapest will be interesting. My podium picks for the hurdles are.

100H
Keni Harrison – USA
Jasmine Camacho Quinn – PAN
Nia Ali – USA

400H
Femke Bol – NED
Shamier Little – USA
Delilah Muhammad – USA

The middle distance events don’t typically get the attention of the speed events. Yet they too have some very exciting athletes that are competing right now – especially on the women’s side. Ironically, the men’s 800m may be the least stellar of these races. As sub 1:43 running hasn’t been a staple of late. That said, the are eleven athletes that have run between 1:43.22 and 1:43.99 so far this season. The exciting men’s middle distance race is the 1500m where Jakob Ingerbringtsen (3.27.14) has become the dominant force. While American Yared Nuguse (3:29.02) has become a viable candidate for a medal. Behind him, it’s pretty much a coin flip for place. My men’s middle distance podium picks.

800m
No Clear Podium in my humble opinion

1500m
Jakob Ingerbringtsen – NOR
Yared Nuguse – USA
Timothy Cheruiyot – KEN

The fun will be watching the women’s middle distance events. Very deep and fast right now. Highly competitive! Starting with the 800 where silver medalists Keely Hodgkinson is just getting started. Keely (1:55.77) has been the dominant one so far this year. There is also Mary Morra (1:56.89) who “upset” Keely earlier in the season in a very tactical race! This should be a two woman race. The 1500m should be the Faith Kipyegon show. Faith has set WR’s in both the mile (4:07.64) and 1500m (3:49.11). In the process crushing both the opposition and previously unbreakable barriers! Behind her has been a group of ladies that have been rewriting national records across the globe! This race will be both fire and fun. My women’s podium.

800m
Keely Hodgkinson – GBR
Mary Morra – KEN
Jemma Reekie – GBR

1500m
Faith Kipyegon – KEN
Gudaf Tsegay – ETH
Ciarra Magean – IRL

Relays always end the track portion of every major championship. This year’s races should be extremely exciting.. Starting with the men’s 4×1 where the United States is trying to get back on the winning track. Unfortunately relays are not run often outside of collegiate and championship competition. Personally I with they were run more across the board. As they bring a high degree of excitement to track and field. As well as a team aspect that seems inviting to fans. Because they’re run so infrequently at the country level, we don’t have a lot of data to go on when attempting to predict results. However. We do know what type of personnel is available. In the 4×4, that’s a pretty solid predictor of results. In the 4×1 however, the element of personnel placement, and more importantly baton exchanges. Makes prediction a bit more difficult. That side, here are my relay podium picks.

Men’s 4×1
United States
Great Britain
Japan

Men’s 4×4
United States
Nigeria
Botswana

Women’s 4×1
United States
Jamaica
Germany

Women’s 4×4
United States
Netherlands
Jamaica

This is getting long, but I’m still in track think mode. So, I’m going to talk a bit more about some of my field event favorites. Starting with the women’s heptathlon. An event that I expected to be one of the tougher head to head matchups of the meet – Nafti Thiam vs Anna Hall. However thiam has pulled out of the meet. Leaving Anna with a fairly clear path to victory, because I see Anna as the second coming of JJK! I’m expecting a score over 7000 points, and an Anna victory. If Anna is the second coming, Ryan Crouser is an original. There’s never. Never. Been a thrower like Crouser. While others struggle to reach 22m – and few in history have. Ryan considers it a bad day if he doesn’t have a throw over that barrier! He’s only one of three throwers to reach 23m – WR holder at 23.56m. The only one to do it more than twice, with seven of the eleven throws past that barrier. He’s due to reach 24m soon, as he’s shown that he’s continuing to improve. It could happen on his winning throw in Budapest. The only athlete this dominant in his event, is Mondo Duplantis. Mondo is another, Second Coming, as his dominance and career is following the same trajectory as one Sergey Bubka. Raising the WR a centimeter at a time. The owner of the 6m barrier, he’ll be going for both gold and the record after he drops off the competition somewhere in that vicinity!

Speaking of vertical heights, another favorite of mine is high jumper JuVaughn Harrison. Harrison’s technique is improving, but still raw. In spite of this, he’s jumped 2.35m this year, and recently defeated world leader Mutaz Barshim (2.36m). Expect Barshim to look for revenge, and Harrison to fight him for it. Another fave of mine is discus thrower Valarie Allman. The best thrower of the non steroid era. With Sandra Perkovic on the other side of her career, the only thing that can stop Allman is a bad day.

These are my best thoughts as we head to Budapest. It’s my belief that this will be the best global championship of the past decade. From beginning to end we should experience some of the best track and field of this century. So, come August 19th, make sure to have your favorite drink and popcorn ready. This one is going to be both fire and fun.