It’s not often that I can make that statement about U.S. meets, but this is one of those rare occasions as both the Millrose Games AND the USATF Classic are on tap. Ironically both meets are getting “makeovers” this year. The Millrose Games will be taking up shop in the Armory for the first time moving from Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the USATF Classic is basically what used to be the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville Arkansas.
The name of the meet may have changed in Arkansas, but the facility in Fayetteville is one of the fastest in the country, if not the world. That bodes well for all events but especially the speed events – and of the two meets this weekend, Fayetteville has attracted the best fields in the sprints.
The sprint fields for the USATF Classic are huge (14 men & 14 women), so there will be plenty of action. The women’s 60 boasts Veronica Campbell Brown (JAM), Allyson Felix (USA) and Muna Lee (USA) – all former Olympians and sub 11.00 for 100 meters. Felix is much better known for her 200 meter skills, and is not as sharp early race as VCB and Lee. This race will be a great test for her, as VCB looked very sharp in New York last week, and I’m not sure anyone in this field can challenge her over this distance.
The men’s 60 field has several former Olympic competitors including Richard Thompson (TRI), Justin Gatllin (USA), and Wallace Spearmon (USA) – another 200 meter specialist moving down to the short sprint. The field also has some young talent in Mookie Salaam (USA), Gerald Phiri (ZAM), and Trell Kimmons (USA). Tough to pick a favorite in this race as the talent is fairly well distributed, but veteran Ivory Williams (USA) may be the most seasoned indoor runner in the group. It will be interesting to see if anyone begins to separate himself from the pack at this early juncture in the season – perhaps by running something around or under 6.50.
Moving up to the 400, we get another look at Kirani James (GRN) in Arkansas. Calvin Smith (USA), Tabarie Henry (ISV), LaJerald Betters, and Demetrius Pinder should provide his primary competition. Though judging from James’ run last week, he’s probably capable of going 45.50 at this stage of the season.
The 1500’s should also be interesting. Anna Pierce (USA) is headed back to the track to see if she can have a better performance this week in a more familiar distance after placing 3rd in last week’s Boston 3000. On the men’s side, we get a look at Leonel Manzano (USA) as he takes on Caleb Ndiku (KEN), Amine Laalou (MAR), Silas Kiplagat (KEN), and Ciaran O’Lionard (IRL) last week’s Boston winner.
Heading Northeast to the Armory in New York, we’ll get the new look Millrose Games. The venue has changed but Millrose still draws top level athletes. Take the men’s 500 meters where we get a matchup between flat 400 sprinter LaShawn Merritt (USA) and 400 hurdler Jeshua Anderson (USA). Speed wise Merritt holds an advantage, but he hurdle strength of Anderson should hold him in good stead here. The big question being the fitness level of both athletes this time of year – the more fit man should win.
We also get another look at short hurdlers David Oliver (USA), Terrence Trammell (USA) and Aries Merritt (USA). Trammell looked like his old self in Madison Square Garden, blitzing the field from the gun. Oliver is going to have to start much better this time around if he wants to contend with Trammell, who tends to be devastating indoors when he’s healthy – and he showed no signs of injury in his last race!
We also get another look at Phoebe Wright (USA) and Maggie Vessey (USA) as they go head to head over 800 meters. This is definitely a contrast in styles as Wright is certain to push the pace and Vessey will wait til the last possible moment to try and win it. Wright’s last race was over the longer 1000 meters where she finished 6th; I anticipate that she will be much more at home, and competitive, in the 800. If Vessey lets her get too far out front it could be over early. Shannon Rowbury (USA) and Jenny Simpson (USA) will also be back in familiar territory as they go head to head in the 1500 after competing in the 3000 last week.
We also get to see several other stars of the sport in New York. Sanya Richards (USA) will take to the track in the 400 – and I’ll be looking to see how close to 51.00 she can get. World outdoor champion Jesse Williams (USA) will be contesting the high jump; and Jenn Suhr will be in the pole vault, fresh off her American Record from last weekend.
With the National Championships only two weeks away, things should really heat up this weekend – as if we haven’t already seen some outstanding performances. Expect to see those focusing on Indoor titles, to really begin to hit peak form. Catch you after the weekend results start to come in.