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Pre Trials Thoughts
With most country’s selection meets literally days away, there are still many many questions regarding who will be lining up in Paris France. Not sure I can remember a year with so many late debuts, or so few competitions for athletes that should be in contention. Usually by now, I have a pretty good idea who will be on Team USA. Yes, there are always surprises, but in general the top athletes have usually separated themselves by now. This year however, is kind of like a box of chocolates. I’m not completely sure what we’re going to get. As a matter of fact, I would say my confidence level in…
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Two Weeks Until Trials
As the NCAA Championships end. The European Championships begin to hit their stride. And the New York Grand Prix is in the books. We sit two weeks away from the Olympic Trials! Usually by now, things are pretty solidified as far as who the strong contenders for Team USA are. As I look at my own notes, and graphs, etc however, I’m still hesitant on many many spots for this team. So much so that I’m also hesitant on selecting relay squads just yet! As I see a lot of spots still up in the air this late in the process. Why? Because many athletes have competed so little. For…
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Early Trials Thoughts
It’s about that time. We’re about three weeks until the Olympic Trials. Here in the US that’s what we call our Olympic team selection meet. Other countries call it something else. While still others use a completely different selection process. No matter what it’s called, or how it’s done, by the end of June we will know who will be competing in Paris! As the season has progressed, there has been much talk about the competitions to date and how athletes have looked. All of which is really preparation for the Trials and the subsequent Olympics. So, how do things look as we approach the Trials? It’s been a very…
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Story Lines Heading to Paris
We’re finally ready to go play outside! As exciting as this year’s indoor season was, outdoors is always better. If that’s the case, this is going to be a season for the ages. Especially the ending with Noah Lyles running the 4×4 and others saying, yo I wanted to do that! That is what Olympic seasons are about. The Ultimate in competition, combined with stories of all types. Success, failure, close finishes, rising stars. In many ways it’s the stories that make the Olympics. So today I’m going to throw some potential story lines out into the ether. Something to follow on the road to and during the Paris Games.…
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Noah and the 4×4
Of all the competitions in track and field, the World Indoor Championships tends to be one of the least popular championship meets in the sport. That’s typically because most athletes are still in their base training mode. As a result, the fields in most events aren’t nearly as deep as they will be come Olympic Trials time. The one caveat is that athletes that do compete indoors, do so with a purpose. To sharpen elements of their events. Trying new techniques. Rehabbing injuries. Running odd distances to strengthen their normal events. This year was no different, though those athletes that did show up, definitely brought their “A” game to the…
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Is Noah the US Sprint GOAT?
The New Balance Invitational was everything that was advertised. Great distance running. Some exciting field events. And some electric sprints and hurdles. Grant Holloway continued his decade long 60H winning streak. Gabby Thomas dominated over 300m, in spite of being slightly under the weather. And Mikiah Brisco looked good in her 60m win. The talk of Boston however, was the scintillating 6.44sec 60m run by Noah Lyles. Hot talk because it lowered his PB from last year’s 6.51, which in turn begged the question – how fast can Noah run in the 100m? A major conversation given that last year’s improvement to 6.51 resulted in Noah’s first World title in…
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Men’s 200m Outlook, 2024
So, with the 100m in the books, as well as a discussion on the relay, let’s take a look at the 200m. I’ll start by saying that we have the fastest/deepest group that the event has ever seen! Three of the six fastest ever (four of ten) are currently competing. With ten of the top twenty all time running on the track this year. This is incredible depth. The list of current competitors includes seven national record holders and the World U20 record holder. It also includes the defending Olympic champion and the last three World champions – who all happen to be the same individual. As a matter of…
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Men’s 100m Outlook, 2024
The annual post season “break” is almost over. That period of time after the final meet of the year when elite athletes go on vacations, rest, and recharge their batteries. Anywhere from a few weeks for some, to a couple of months for others. Recovery from the wars of the season, before beginning preparation for the next season, which in this case will be an Olympic year! Ah yes, the Olympics. One of the grandest sporting spectacles on the planet. And as crazy as it sounds, we’re less than 300 days away from the big event! This is why I want to start looking ahead to what I feel will…
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Budapest Was As Good As Advertised
Prior to the start of Budapest 2023, I foresaw this as potentially one of the greatest championships ever. The losses of several top athletes didn’t deter me from this thought. Now that the meet has been run and the results are in, I would say that my original assessment was correct. The depth of talent in this sport is greater than it’s ever been. From late 30 year old veterans to young 19 and 20 year olds, I don’t think the sport has ever been better talent wise from top to bottom. Things started quite excitedly as the finals of the mixed relay and women’s 10,000 provided both tragedy and…
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Hot Relay Weekend – Post Meet Thoughts
The stars came out this past weekend and track and field shined brightly as a result. That’s the verdict of fans everywhere that watched either of the Texas or Florida Relays. Two of the hottest relay meets of the spring, and annually the coming out party of many of the sport’s domestic stars. Results are readily available. As a matter of fact, http://www.ustfccca.org/meets-result, is my weekly go to for meet information in general – including results. So, I’m not going to pretend to try to give you all of the awesome results here. What I am going to do however, is give you my impression of several races and performances…