{"id":1278,"date":"2012-06-14T10:27:28","date_gmt":"2012-06-14T17:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2012-06-14T10:27:28","modified_gmt":"2012-06-14T17:27:28","slug":"olympic-trials-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=1278","title":{"rendered":"Olympic Trials Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Start<\/a>Here we go. We\u2019re a week away from the \u201cAlmost\u201d Big Dance \u2013 the US Olympic Trials. And to be honest I\u2019m not sure I have any more clarity today than I did a month ago! There have been some outstanding performances followed by so so performances. Some athletes haven\u2019t seemed to get untracked while some seem to be in near Olympic form. And of course there is always that spectre of injury hanging out there, but even in this age of the internet athletes\/camps are keeping a tight lid on the fitness of many athletes. <\/p>\n

But here we are and it\u2019s time to make some predictions. Based on what I\u2019ve seen so far I would bet that this meet is going to be smoking as my guess is this is going to be the first time we really see many of these people put it out there. That said, this is my best guess as to how this thing is going to play out. Before I put my predictions out there, here are a few thoughts I have on the Trials going in. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Sprints<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve hedged my bet and put Allyson Felix in the short sprint double \u2013 because I feel it plays better to her goal of victory in the deuce in London. I\u2019m also hedging my bet and saying that Sanya Richards Ross doesn\u2019t run the 2\/4 double. If she does that 200 could change. I\u2019m thinking that Walter Dix is still not quite where he was at Mt SAC, his last race looking like he may have twinged something. Tyson Gay on the other hand looked ready to roll, but there\u2019s always the question of rounds. And while I \u2018m on the fence with Wariner in the 400, he\u2019s a veteran and so is his coach and that gives him a slight edge \u2013 but Berry has those young legs! And speaking of young legs, I\u2019ve only seen him once, but I can\u2019t help but feel that Ryan Bailey has SO much potential.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Middle Distances<\/font><\/strong><\/p>\n

The women have me all perplexed. Hard for me not to put Anna Pierce in one of the events, but Simpson\u2019s recent 800 PR seems to put her there and Rowbury is a big meet runner. The women\u2019s 800 looks nothing like I thought it would so perhaps we\u2019ll see some majjor improvements in this meet by some athletes. Ditto the men\u2019s 1500 where a tactical race \u2013 that\u2019s what I\u2019m expecting \u2013 could put over half dozen men into the mix on the final lap. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Distances<\/font><\/strong><\/p>\n

On the other hand, while the mid distances are a jumble, the long distances appear ready to follow the script. With the usual cast of characters on both sides ready to \u201ctake their rightful places\u201d. I do hold out hope that Deena Kastor is able to pull it together for one final run on the big stage. She\u2019s so close even at this point in her career and I have to give her a shout out in advance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hurdles<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n

The men\u2019s hurdles \u2013 both 110 & 400 \u2013 are not what I expected at the start of the year. The 110\u2019s are easily predictable at this stage and they were supposed to be a crap shoot at this point. Meanwhile age seems to be taking a toll in the long hurdles while youth hasn\u2019t come forward \u2013 yet. We will see if both stories change during the Trials. On the women\u2019s side, the short hurdles are the crap shoot I thought it would be. And while on one hand my picks seemed \u201ceasy\u201d There are a few women out there that could easily step on in one race in the final. The long hurdle race for the women could come down to a lean for a London ticket. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jumps<\/font><\/strong><\/p>\n

Where is Dwight Philips? In the back of my mind I know he\u2019s going to show up and make a fool of me! The men\u2019s long jump could end up being one of the closest events of the meet. And I have to wonder if Ashton Eaton has considered a Jackie Joyner like long jump\/multi event double? Speaking of doubles keep an eye on the duo of Christian Taylor and Will Claye in the horizontal jumps. And if former teammate Omar Craddock slips into that triple jump team I won’t be completely surprised. And my gut says that Amy Acuff has been waiting for this meet. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Throws<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n

The men\u2019s shot put is going to be brutal! One of those can\u2019t miss events that\u2019s VERY deep. I\u2019m also expecting the women\u2019s javelin to be very competitive on the top end \u2013 Patterson v Yurkovich could be a biggie. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Multis<\/font><\/strong><\/p>\n

The top three in the decathlon are so far ahead of the rest I won\u2019t be surprised to see the vets do just enough to stay ahead and get their tickets to London. Not sure they are going to \u201ccompete\u201d hard against each other here. Just  my gut. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All that said, here are my predictions for the Trials. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Men<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Women<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

100<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Justin Gatlin<\/td>\nCarmelita Jeter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tyson Gay <\/td>\nAllyson Felix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Walter Dix<\/td>\nTianna Madison<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

200<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

200<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Wallace Spearmon<\/td>\nAllyson Felix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maurice Mitchell<\/td>\nCarmelita Jeter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Walter Dix<\/td>\nKimberlyn Duncan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

400<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

400<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

LaShawn Merritt<\/td>\nSanya Richards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tony McQuay<\/td>\nFrancena McCorory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jeremy Wariner<\/td>\nDiamond Dixon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Charles Jock<\/td>\nAlysia Montano<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nick Symmonds<\/td>\nAlice Schmidt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Khadevis Robinson<\/td>\nMolly Beckwith<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

1500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Lopez Lamong<\/td>\nMorgan Uceny<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
David Torrence<\/td>\nJenny Simpson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Andrew Wheating<\/td>\nShannon Rowbury<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

5000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Bernard Lagat<\/td>\nMolly Huddle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lopez Lamong<\/td>\nJackie Arenson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Matt Tegenkamp<\/td>\nJulia Lucas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

10000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Galen Rupp<\/td>\nShalane Flanagan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dathan Ritzenhein<\/td>\nAmy Hastings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chris Derrick<\/td>\nLisa Uhl<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Steeple<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Steeple<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Donn Cabral<\/td>\nEmma Coburn<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Evan Jager<\/td>\nSara Hall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dan Huling<\/td>\nBridget Franek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

110 Hurdles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100 Hurdles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Aries Merritt<\/td>\nDawn Harper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
David Oliver<\/td>\nKellie Wells<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jason Richardson<\/td>\nKristi Castlin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

400 Hurdles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

400 Hurdles<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Bershawn Jackson<\/td>\nLashinda Demus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Johnny Dutch<\/td>\nT\u2019erea Brown<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jeshua Anderson<\/td>\nTiffany Williams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

High Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

High Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Jesse Williams<\/td>\nChaunte Lowe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Erik Kynard<\/td>\nBrigetta Barrett<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jamie Nieto<\/td>\nAmy Acuff<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Pole Vault<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Pole Vault<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Brad Walker<\/td>\nJenn Suhr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Andrew Irwin <\/td>\nLacy Jansen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jack Whitt<\/td>\nApril Steiner Bennett<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Long Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Long Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Will Claye<\/td>\nBrittney Reese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Marquis Goodwin<\/td>\nWhitney Gipson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
George Kitchens<\/td>\nJanay Deloach<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Triple Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Triple Jump<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Christian Taylor<\/td>\nAmanda Smock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Will Claye<\/td>\nErica McLain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arik Wilson<\/td>\nAndrea Geubelle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Shot Put<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Shot Put<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Reese Hoffa<\/td>\nJill Camarena Williams <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Christian Cantwell<\/td>\nMichelle Carter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ryan Whiting<\/td>\nSarah Stevens Walker<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Discus<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Discus<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Russ Winger<\/td>\nStephanie Brown Trafton<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jason Young<\/td>\nAretha Thurmond<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lance Brooks <\/td>\nSuzy Powell<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Hammer<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Hammer<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

A.G. Kruger<\/td>\nJessica Cosby<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kibwe Johnson<\/td>\nAmber Campbell<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Michael Mai<\/td>\nJeneva McCall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Javelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Javelin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Sean Fury <\/td>\nKara Patterson<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tim Glover<\/td>\nRachel Yurkovich<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Craig Kinsley<\/td>\nBrittany Borman<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
 <\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Decathlon<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Heptathlon<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Ashton Eaton<\/td>\nSharon Day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trey Hardee<\/td>\nHyleas Fountain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bryan Clay<\/td>\nBettie Wade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Here we go. We\u2019re a week away from the \u201cAlmost\u201d Big Dance \u2013 the US Olympic Trials. And to be honest I\u2019m not sure I have any more clarity today than I did a month ago! There have been some outstanding performances followed by so so performances. Some athletes haven\u2019t seemed to get untracked while […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[7,221],"class_list":["post-1278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-olympic-trials","tag-prediction"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa3DCY-kC","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1278","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1278"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1278\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1279,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1278\/revisions\/1279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1278"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1278"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1278"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}