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Women’s 100m Outlook, 2024
I’ve given my opinion on the men’s 100m, so it’s time to do the same for the women. I’ll start by saying that there are fewer women currently competing in the top thirty all time performance list than the men. BUT five of the top ten fastest women ever are currently competing! The women are not as deep overall, but have better depth on the top end. The women’s WR of 10.49 has been on the books since 1988! And for all these decades it’s appeared to be unapproachable – until recently, as there has been an explosion of performance post Covid. Elaine Thompson Herah (10.54), Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce…
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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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Time for a Worlds Revision
The World Championships have concluded and everyone is already looking forward to Paris 2024! Because that is the event that EVERYONE puts stock into. So much so, that several high level athletes bypassed this year’s World Championships in favor of preparation for the Olympics. You see, in the days leading up to Worlds, much of the buzz was not about the impending matchups but discussions about who wasn’t going to compete. As many of the world’s top athletes declared out of Budapest for various reasons. There were those that were out due to suspensions. Primarily from the Athletes Integrity Unit, for either whereabouts violations or use of prohibited substances. This…
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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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Budapest Predictions
We’re almost there. Literally days away from the 2023 version of the World Championships in Budapest Hungary. As usual the internet is buzzing with discussions of athletes and predictions. Though this time around there’s as much bad news as good news. For example, the British team has decided not to take some qualified athletes. Choosing to only take those it deems to be contenders. Causing a bit of controversy in good old Britain. The Athletes Integrity Unit has been busy since Nationals. Handing out suspensions to several athletes. Most notable being former pole vault gold medalist Thiago Braz (use of a prohibited substance); hurdle WR holder Tobi Amusan (whereabouts failure);…
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US Relay Thoughts Heading Into Budapest
Now that teams have been selected for Worlds, one of the biggest questions roaming the internet is, who will represent the US in the relays? Relay selection for us is nearly always controversial. While most countries either know exactly the composition of their squads, or have a pretty good idea who will represent them. Our selection process leaves us with new squads every year. In some cases with repeat members. Sometimes with completely new squads! In the 4×4 it’s easily manageable, because exchanges are simple. In the 4×1 it is a bit more problematic however, because passing the stick requires more coordination and timing at those speeds. And in general…
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A Solid US Team is Headed to Budapest
Another Championships is in the book. The American team has been selected, for this year’s World Championships and it looks to be pretty strong. Our depth across the board is pretty amazing. As we have world leading athletes in most disciplines, both men and women. In many events we will be leaving athletes at home that are capable of standing on the podium in Budapest. Making me wish for A Worlds that was not so restrictive in representation. Another conversation entirely. For now, we have what we have. In that regard, we’ll be a string as ever. Here are a few of my favorite highlights from this year’s Championships. Men’s…
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It’s Time to Move US Nationals
Judging by comments on the internet, it seems like most people are dissatisfied with the location of US Nationals and the Olympic Trials being constantly in Eugene Oregon. “Most people” includes fans, athletes and coaches. This is not a negative about the people of Eugene, who have learned to put on a first class meet. But more about the location of Eugene itself. It’s a small town with limited access and amenities. No international airport access. Limited number of hotel rooms. Limited number of eateries, etc. All of which makes it very expensive for athletes, coaches, and fans that want/need to attend the meet. These are the complaints being aired…
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The Idiocy of the False Start Rule
Over the past several seasons, perhaps the most debated rule in the sport of track and field has been the false start rule. Why? Because there have been many, many questionable calls. With several athletes being thrown out of races without any visible signs of movement. And fans left feeling that they’ve been robbed of watching athletes they’ve paid good money to see perform. This is not the way to promote your sport. Especially when it affects events with many of the sport’s most popular athletes – the sprints, hurdles, and relays. Arguably the most exciting events on the track. Why is this happening? Aside from the basics of the…
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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…