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Regional Forecast – HOT
This has been a very interesting weekend of track and field. Here in the State of California, the various high school “sectional” Championships were held. The qualifiers for next week’s State Championship meet. So there was excitement up and down the state, as those cut throat meets whittled the playing field down to about 27 competitors per event. As a matter of fact, we ended up with a new state record of 10.14 in the 100 – by a junior no less. As we head to Clovis and what will certainly be one firecracker of a competition. At the elite level, the two primary meets were in Birmingham England and…
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The Chill List
It seems that everyone has a “list” these days. There’s the Bowerman for collegiate athletes. And I’ve noticed several podcasts attempting to put together lists. The problem that I have with these lists however. It’s that it’s basically impossible to separate say 10 athletes from the pack in this sport. Especially Post Covid, as it seems that every event has at least two or three deserving athletes – at every level of the sport! So, I’ve decided to create a list that ISN’T supposed to be the ten “best” athletes in track and field. Instead, my list is of the ten athletes I’m going to focus on watching this year!…
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Pre Championships Update
After watching several early season meets including Texas, Tom Jones, and MtSAC among others. As we approach the qualifying events that lead to the NCAA Championships what has become evident, is that the collegiate champs are going to be HOT! As in extremely exciting and blazing fast. Faster than last year as a matter of fact. But then, 2022 is shaping up to be the fastest year ever. It’s just going to start with the NCAA Championships. Luckily for fans of the sport, the path to the NCAA champs includes Conference (this weekend)and Regional meets. So we will be treated to a month’s worth of high quality competitions and non…
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Time to Break the Men’s 4×1 World Record
Yes, you read that right. I, a citizen of the United States, am talking about breaking the 4×1 record. Of course, given our men’s international record in the event since the mid 90’s. I’m sure many of you are either chuckling, or laughing out loud. I mean, just last year, we failed to make the Olympic final. In spite of actually finishing the race. A first for the US – finishing a heat and not advancing. Add that to the numerous dropped batons and disqualifications, and I completely understand the laughter. However, to quote an ancient Persian phrase, “this too shall pass”! And it’s my belief that this “passing” will…
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Pre Championships Update
This has been one of the hardest seasons to keep up with that I can remember. And that is actually a good thing. Literally every time I’ve tried to sit down and write about my thoughts on the season, news of something faster, further, or higher goes across my screen. Making me feel like I’m always behind. After all, I don’t want to tell you what you already know. So, given the mercurial pace of this season, I’ve decided I’ll have to spend more time talking about my impressions of what’s been happening. As opposed to reporting on what’s gone on. And even that can be difficult as “The next…
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How Fast in 2022?
The full question is actually duplicate questions. Spurred by the boasting of one Fred Kerley. The questions are. How fast will Fred Kerley run in 2022? And, how fast will the fastest sprinter run in 2022? Where does this come from? It comes from Kerley saying he is going to break the WR this year. Now, this is as bold a statement as an athlete can make these days. As the current record in the event is 9.58, set by Usain Bolt in 2009 in Berlin Germany. Many say it’s not possible because it was Bolt that set the record. I say no, not because it was Bolt, but because…
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Next Up – NCAA Indoor Championships
This is what the indoor season has been building to – Collegiate and World championships. Yes, the season has been entertaining.. And several athletes have had the opportunity to test themselves, work on their craft and get ready for the outdoor season. But for those that run outdoors and treat it like a season unto itself, it’s the championships that they do it for. Especially the collegians, because the indoor season is a part of their program. They legit are looking to win titles for their schools, which gives their competition a bit of an “edge” in terms of spirit and excitement. And that is what we will be treated…
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Who Will Win the Millrose 60?
Ok, now that the season is finally under way, it’s almost time for the elite athletes to take the stage. And if the exploits of the collegiate athletes is any indication, we’re in for some exciting competition. First meet with loaded fields will be the Millrose Games. On tap for January 29th. While all of the events at Millrose appear to be loaded, with athletes like Athing Mu, Ryan Crouser, Elle Purrier, and others. This year’s bonus, will be the first “sprint battle” of 2022! This is exciting as we’ve already seen some very hot individual performances. Micah Williams of Oregon (6.48) and Terrance Jones of Texas Texas Tech (6.45)…
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Early Season Thoughts
Hear ye, hear ye. The 2022 season has begun! A slew of indoor invitationals have got things finally going. And while we’re a couple of weeks away from the “elite” invites. We’ve away gotten some pretty outstanding results coming in. Enough for me to say that 2022 could be an even better year statistically than last year! Some thoughts from this weekend. Matt Boling – I’m going to start with this young man because it seems he always ends up under a microscope. His opener was exciting for me, because of his long jump win. Exciting because he lept 8.25m (27′ 0.75″). As good a sprinter that he is, that…
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The Best of 202One
We had to wait two years for 202One. The athletes had to adjust to what amounted to the craziest circumstances ever faced in an Olympic build up. After all was said and done however, and the Olympic season was one of the best ever! ! Hats off to the athletes who performed most admirably. Literally every week of the season produced performances that could stand on their own in any year of competition. Leaving me to attempt the nearly impossible. Identify the best athletes of 202One. Don’t get me wrong. There were easily a hundred outstanding races, vaults, throws, jumps over the course of the year. What I’m going to…