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Finally a 4×1 Victory
The US did it! We won a major 4×1, coming home with gold in Doha. The monkey is off our back! I wouldn’t get too excited just yet however. That’s one win in the last twelve years. And behind us was the fastest finish for place in places 2-5 – because the world has gotten FASTER in the last decade plus. In Doha, Britain set a European record of 37.36 to take silver. While Japan set an Asian record of 37.43. Both marks as fast as anything the US has thrown down, well ever. So, while its nice that we broke the jinx, and fans feel like "we’re back"! This…
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Marketing the Face of Track and Field
Between 2008 and 2017 many people considered Usain Bolt to be the face of track and field. The athlete that the IAAF built their promotion around. The sprinter they proclaimed to be the “clean” representation of track and field, because the IAAF felt that such a representation was needed. When Bolt said that it was time to retire, Seb Coe basically said, “woe is me whatever will we do.”. Because really the marketing plan for this sport has been centered around the idea of the sport having a singular face! I’m really not sure why, given the diverse nature of the sport itself. Running, jumping, throwing. Men and women. Speed…
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USATF Championships Review
For four days America’s best track and field athletes got together in Des Moines Iowa to decide who would represent the US at the World Championships. Lots to say, some good, some bad, so let’s start with the bad. I’m not sure what the selection process is for championship sites, and I understand that this meet is going to be held in the summer, but how many times have I seen this meet affected by rain? So on Championship Sunday we’re hit by rain yet again. Now we know USATF’s (*cough * Nike’s) affinity for Eugene where it rains most of the year. And similarly Des Moines where it rains…
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NCAA Championships Review
It’s June, and there have been track meets being run all spring. But the weather has been horrible up to now, and results have been scattered. It seems like every meet has been “so-so” with the occasional “wow” race thrown in. Like we had Michael Norman scream 43.45 at MtSac. Then Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman square off at 9.86 each – Lyles for the win. Then Lyles and Norman just a few days ago go 19.70/19.72 Norman getting his first ever 200 victory over Noah. But mostly the “pros” have been quiet. Their real focus being on the World Championships (not happening until September) and National championships (most coming…
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Grant Holloway – How Many Subs?
There are a LOT of exciting young track and field stars today. Sydney McLaughlin, Noah Lyles, Mondo Duplantis, Gabby Thomas, and Michael Norman to start a list. After watching this past weekends activities however, it hit me that perhaps the most talented athlete out there may be sliding under the radar! I remember when Carl Lewis first emerged. Sprinter AND jumper at the elite level. He evoked images of Jesse Owns for many, which meant, legend in the making. Well, what if Carl had learned to hurdle? And run a better quarter. You know, kicked it up a notch. If he had, he would’ve been Grant Holloway, because that’s exactly…
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NCAA Championships
Championship season is my favorite time of year. The relay circuit is fun. The Diamond League gives us a glimpse of the world’s elite athletes. But in today’s track and field it’s Championships that gives us the head to head competition between the sports best athletes at every level! The NCAA’s are always the first of the "elite" championships each year. What makes this meet so exciting for me is the depth of competition; the exciting competition; and the emergence of the elite athletes as they prepare to "graduate" to compete against their elders. Once again, this meet meet those expectations. In spite of the weather/conditions in Eugene once again…