The CHill Zone of T&F

Everybody is asking the question, why are kids suddenly running so fast? I’ve been asking that same question myself, because we’ve seen a massive shift in what’s been considered national class speed at the high school level. For example, pre Covid 10.50 or better in the boys 100m, 4:55 in the girls mile, and 4:12 in the boys mile would have made you national class in your event. Today in order to be considered national class you must run 10.30, 4:42, and 4:01 respectively. We’ve seen this level of change/improvement across the board in the four years since Covid caused politicians to shut everything down for two years. The question…

The 2026 season is now fully under way. We’re two Diamond League meets in, which i must say have been better than usual this early in the season. Indicative of the fact that this is an “off season”. Meaning there is no global major to focus on at the end of the year, so athletes are free to compete as they see fit all year long. Great for the athletes, even better for the fans, because as we’ve seen already, we’ll get treated to a lot of outstanding performances all year long! So, what’s up next? More Diamond League and the NCAA Regionals are on tap for this upcoming week.…

Each of the past two seasons we’ve had a new track meet, or series of meets to look forward to in the US. Two years ago, it was Athlos, which turned out to be a nice competition, that repeated last year, with a promise to expand this year. Last year, it was Grand Slam Track, which sounded promising, but had lots of questions that were finally answered when it was discovered that the money wasn’t really there. This year, we’re getting the “USATF Tour”, and as with GST, I have thoughts and questions before a single meet is run. If you haven’t heard, this “Tour” was announced late last year…

Everyone knows the story of Grand Slam Track by now. A new track circuit, there are no leagues, Diamond or otherwise. Perportedly with $30 million, to pay over $12 million in prize money over four meets to 96 athletes. Started modestly, ended before the final competition. Athletes and vendors go un paid. Finally files for bankruptcy. That’s the short version. The internet has since gone nuts, blasting Grand Slam and Michael Johnson. Saying that it set the sport back, and that it’s failure will make it difficult for anything new to emerge moving forward. I disagree. History tells us that many of the greatest things ever created, came after failure.…

I have lots of issues with how the sport of track and field is run in the United States. Issues that I will be discussing during this upcoming winter in hopes of inspiring change. One thing that I do think we get right however, is the proliferation of relay events in the spring!  Relays are potentially the most exciting events in the sport. With multiple individuals involved, they are the events with the most change occurring during the race itself. Relays also add a “team” dynamic to the sport, enhancing school, regional, and even national pride in the sport. Look no further than the World Championships and Olympic relay events,…

As the final meet of the year, Athlos, prepared. to be run, perhaps the biggest announcement of the season was made – that Femke Bol was changing events and going to the 800m! I, like many people, was surprised at this news. Though I thin kI was surprised for different reasons. Most were surprised at the move from the hurdles to the 800m. Personally I’m surprised that she’s leaving the hurdles at all. Yes, she’s won two World titles, but she hasn’t won an Olympic title, and her last Olympic race was not her best in my humble opinion. She is number two all time, and only the second person…