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Track & Field’s Most Exciting Event
Track and field is blessed to have some of the greatest athletes ever competing today. Nearly every event has individuals that are either in the top 3-5 all time in their event or are a world record threat! And that’s not counting the events where the present works record holder is competing! As a matter of fact, there are events where all of the aforementioned are currently competing! It’s a great time to be a fan of this sport from a purely competitive perspective. Ironically, the most exciting event is often treated as a “step child” by the sport. But then, many of the sports’ events are treated that way…
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First Prediction – US 100 Men
It’s the end of the year, and a stones throw to the US Trials. That, and the suspension of Coleman has everyone trying to figure out the men’s sprint squad. That’s not going to be easy, because not everyone competed in 2020. Those that did had an abbreviated season and right now everyone is training for 2021. So picking this team today is going to be tough. As a matter of fact, it’s probably easier to pick the Tokyo final knowing who most of the rest of the world will be sending to the Games. But who said it has to be easy? This is the fun part of being…
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Christian Coleman Suspended
If you know anything about track and field, you know that Christian Coleman has been suspended for his multiple whereabouts violations. A two year “time out” from the sport dating back to the first violation, which means he has zero shot at making the Tokyo Olympic team. No Trials, no Games. As a matter of fact he’ll barely be off probation before the trials for the next Worlds. Of course social media has gone crazy. “He’s being picked on”. “Others have gotten off”. Well, for what it’s worth, Christian got a pass in 2019, ran in Doha, and went out and missed another test – all before the end of…
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The World of Lyles and Norman
The US Olympic Trials of 2016 saw a pair of High School stars take to the track in an attempt to make the Olympic team. A pair of young men aiming to become the first US high school sprinters to make the team since Houston McTear, Dwayne Evans and Johnny Jones did so way back in 1976. Noah Lyles and Michael Norman gave it a good shot as they made the final of the 200 finishing just out of the medals in 4th & 5th at 20.09 and 20.14. Lyles’ mark a new HS record. Along the way they defeated the likes of Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin through the…
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Coe Attempts to Destroy the Sport
Despite the conditions – a long season and heat from Hell – the recently concluded World Championships was one for the books. One of the best competitions ever. With exciting events and athletes from opening to close. Combine that with the plethora of young stars in the sport, the Olympics being less than a year away, and one would think that track and field is poised for an exciting period of time. A period where we could perhaps make serious inroads into the community of sports fans that we’ve coveted forever. I mean, why not? We have the kind of talent that viewers like. Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway, Michael Norman,…
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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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Doha Will Be Remembered for the Four
World Championships are the highlight of the sport. They showcase the best that track and field has to offer. During each one, the absolute best of the best rises to the top to create the meet’s most lasting memories. The inaugural championships in 1983 was the debut of Carl Lewis to the world. The followup in ’87 was the debut of Been Johnson. Ninety one was the most epic long jump competition in history and the fall of the world record. So what will Doha be remembered for? What event(s) and competitor(s) will capture the crowd and our imaginations? After much thought, I’ve come to the conclusion, that this will…
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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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USATF Preview
We’re a little over a week from the USATF Championships. No more competitions to watch. The time has finally arrived. And after months of meets – we still don’t know much! With Worlds being so late, some athletes have been very cautious. Then there are the collegiate kids that have already peaked for a championship. Following are my best guess at who will emerge for Doha. Men’s 100 Justin Gatlin has a bye and only needs to show up and run once. Christian Coleman is the leader in the clock and the track. Noah Lyles has decided against the double so now it’s pot luck after Coleman – we get…