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The Weekend I’ve Been Waiting For
Once track and field gets outside, it doesn’t take long for things to heat up. The first couple of weekends or so, are kind of like letting the car idle for five minutes or so to make sure it’s ready to drive in the winter time. After everything is nice and warm however, it’s time to get out and let it run. For track that’s usually around MtSAC, Tom Jones weekend. Two nice facilities, with nice tracks, and nice weather. Both facilities and competitions lived up to these normal expectations, which is why so many athletes love to open up at Tom Jones and MtSAC. In addition, Jamaica had a…
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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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The 4×1, Third Leg
Since I’ve given my 100m thoughts, I’m going to jump to the relay before discussing the deuce. Mostly because we’ve had so much failure in this event and I want to get my thoughts out there early. I was talking about the US relays recently with a coach friend and we agreed that it’s really not that difficult to put a squad together – or to coach it. So let me share my thoughts on relay construction. I’m going to start by saying that there is no “standard” way to put a 4×1 together. It depends on who YOU have available. I say this because so many people have 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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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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Time to Break the Men’s 4×1 World Record
Yes, you read that right. I, a citizen of the United States, am talking about breaking the 4×1 record. Of course, given our men’s international record in the event since the mid 90’s. I’m sure many of you are either chuckling, or laughing out loud. I mean, just last year, we failed to make the Olympic final. In spite of actually finishing the race. A first for the US – finishing a heat and not advancing. Add that to the numerous dropped batons and disqualifications, and I completely understand the laughter. However, to quote an ancient Persian phrase, “this too shall pass”! And it’s my belief that this “passing” will…
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Pre Championships Update
This has been one of the hardest seasons to keep up with that I can remember. And that is actually a good thing. Literally every time I’ve tried to sit down and write about my thoughts on the season, news of something faster, further, or higher goes across my screen. Making me feel like I’m always behind. After all, I don’t want to tell you what you already know. So, given the mercurial pace of this season, I’ve decided I’ll have to spend more time talking about my impressions of what’s been happening. As opposed to reporting on what’s gone on. And even that can be difficult as “The next…
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Early Season Thoughts
Hear ye, hear ye. The 2022 season has begun! A slew of indoor invitationals have got things finally going. And while we’re a couple of weeks away from the “elite” invites. We’ve away gotten some pretty outstanding results coming in. Enough for me to say that 2022 could be an even better year statistically than last year! Some thoughts from this weekend. Matt Boling – I’m going to start with this young man because it seems he always ends up under a microscope. His opener was exciting for me, because of his long jump win. Exciting because he lept 8.25m (27′ 0.75″). As good a sprinter that he is, that…
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And They’re Off
Yes, the Road to Tokyo has begun as the 2021 season is now under way, with all indications being that this year is going to be as HOT as lava in a volcano! Two weekends, two indoor world records. An American record. Several moves into the all time lists. The start of a US track league. And just a rash of outstanding performances. The highlights. Fabrice Zango TJ world record – The small African nation of Burkina Faso started off the 2021 record rush as Zango bounded out to a huge 18.07m/59’3.25“! Just a massive leap. Setting up a battle of a trio of 59 footers with Americans Will Claye…