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My Favorite Moments From Paris
There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the Paris Olympics. That happens when an Olympics follows a Games where something notable has occurred. Like when Munich followed Mexico City. After all the record breaking that had occurred in Mexico. It was impossible to live up to that. Then there was Los Angeles following the boycotted Moscow Games. Where western countries hadn’t competed for eight years. This year Paris got to follow Tokyo which had the misfortune of being an Olympics devoid of fans due to Covid. It had been eight long years since we’d had a “normal” Olympics, and you could see and feel it in the stadium.…
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Observations From Paris
It’s over. The Paris Olympic Games has ended. Easily one of the greatest Games ever, from a track and field standpoint. Just fantastic competition. We haven’t seen anything like it since the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Which means that for a lot of fans, this is the best meet they’ve ever witnessed. My favorite events were the men’s 100m. The best field ever assembled, and just tremendous sprinting by everyone in the race. The men’s 4×4, one of the best relays of all time. Competitive from the gun to the tape. With the absolute best anchor showdown in history. The women’s 4×4. Simply a great effort by everyone on…
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Who is the World’s Fastest Human
On the eve of the start of track and field at the Paris Olympic Games, there are several individuals online taking umbrage with the media referring to Noah Lyles, the reigning World 100m champion, as the World’s Fastest Human (WFH)! Stating that Usain Bolt is still the “fastest man alive”. Claiming to be “defending the integrity of the sport” by making this claim. Apparently forgetting that words actually have meaning.. Because even using their own statement, they are incorrect. Let me begin by saying that most, but not all, making this comment are either Jamaican, and looking to defend Bolt’s “legacy”. Or non Americans that a) consider Americans to be…
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Too Close to Call
As I sat down to finalize my Predictions for Paris, I kept coming back to the same phrase – too close to call! Heading into these Games, we are blessed to have a literal cornucopia of talented athletes that we’ll get to watch go head to head in the Paris stadium. Add the installation of a new, fine tuned. Mondo surface. And there will be more than a few exciting events. There will be something special happening daily. Now, I check out the internet daily, and I know that many people have what they consider to be “strong” favorites in most events. I think in most instances however, there are…
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Pre Paris Thoughts
August 1st, the opening day of track and field in the Paris Olympics. We’re that close. Yet with nine Diamond League events done – one left before the opening ceremony. A full NCAA season completed. Numerous meets across the globe in the books. And every country’s selection process complete. The only thing that’s certain, is that we know who’s headed to the Paris stadium. Yes, we have some very strong favorites going in. Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, Mondo Duplantis, Faith Kipyegon to name a few. But if we learned anything from the US Trials (Athing MU & Brooke Anderson), anything can happen on any given day. That is why they compete.…
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Early Paris 100m Preview
You know, it’s funny how quickly things can change in track and field. In May many “fans” were complaining about how “slow” this year was! I said at the time that there was no reason for athletes to be running fast in April, or May. Not with Trials in late June and the Games a month after that. Yet the mumbling and grumbling continued. Now here we are in July – between the Trials and the Games – and the event lists are burning up! Suddenly, the men’s 100m in Paris is looking like it could be one of the best (I.e. fastest and deepest) ever. As there are two…
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It Doesn’t Get Much Better
It’s the toughest team in the world to make. That’s the general consensus when it comes to the US track and field team. Of course, if anyone has doubt, go and watch reruns of this year’s contest. Starting with the second half of the meet. Then try to pick your favorite event. Let’s see, you could select the men’s 110H. That has Grant Holloway running sub 13, three times. Two of them sub 12.90. Including 12.86, the #4 time in history (he also owns #2). Behind him were 12.93 (Freddie Crittenden) and 12.96 (Daniel Robert’s). Making this the first race in history with three men under 13.00! Times of 13.03…
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US Olympic Trials, First Half
The wait is finally over. The biggest meet outside of the Olympic Games is finally under way. Many of the world’s best athletes are American. Making the competition here very deep and competitive. Add the qualifying procedure that only places the top three finishers in each event, and you have a very electrifying meet. That’s exactly what we got the first four days. Tremendously exciting competition. With a team that’s going to be very competitive in Paris. There’ll be much to talk about when it’s all over, but here are some thoughts on the first half of these Olympic Trials. Disappointments – Not to sound negative, but the Trials…
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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…