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US Nationals Preview
We’re days from the selection of the US team for the World Championships in Tokyo. It’s been a very long lead up to this point given we’re near the end of July, but that’s the end result of moving the World Championships to the end of the season. We’ll see how that’s worked out given that athletes have been on different and varying times lines during the course of the season. Regardless of the approach taken, American athletes must note be ready for the ultimate battle, the US Trials! July 31 thru August 3. Entries are now closed, and here are my general thoughts as we head to Eugene. In…
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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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2025 Men’s 100m Preview
It’s about a week after Christmas. Two days before the New Year. Which means we’re about to get more track and field! It’s only been a few months, but Paris seems so far away. Of course, indoors is a tad different. Half the track size. Shortened straight away races. But for true fans of the sport, we’re looking forward to the journey to Tokyo and the World outdoor championships. While I’m looking forward to literally every event to see if we can get anything close to the full excellence of Paris, I’m really looking forward to the men’s 100m. Always one of the most anticipated events of any competition, the…
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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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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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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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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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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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Texas and Florida Signal Start of the Season
This year’s indoor season was as good as I’ve ever seen. Personally I much prefer outdoors, but the marks that were churned out this year, were nothing short of stellar. Especially on the women’s side. This coming with most “elite” athletes either not competing at all indoors, or only making a brief appearance. Still we got WR’s from Mondo Duplantis (6.22m), Ryan Crouser (23.38m), and Femke Bol (49.26). We also got great marks from Grant Holloway (7.35), Trayvon Bromell (6.42), and Britton Wilson (49.49). Marks good enough to be outstanding outdoors! Which is where we’re finally headed. There have been a few meets already, but with the Florida and Texas…