{"id":2403,"date":"2019-09-03T09:04:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T16:04:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=2403"},"modified":"2019-09-03T09:26:04","modified_gmt":"2019-09-03T16:26:04","slug":"doha-will-be-remembered-for-the-four","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=2403","title":{"rendered":"Doha Will Be Remembered for the Four"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>World Championships are the highlight of the sport. They showcase the best that track and field has to offer. During each one, the absolute best of the best rises to the top to create the meet\u2019s most lasting memories.<\/p>\n

The inaugural championships in 1983 was the debut of Carl Lewis to the world. The followup in \u201987 was the debut of Been Johnson. Ninety one was the most epic long jump competition in history and the fall of the world record.<\/p>\n

So what will Doha be remembered for? What event(s) and competitor(s) will capture the crowd and our imaginations? After much thought, I’ve come to the conclusion, that this will be the year of everything 400. We are going to see stunning races over one lap. Open. Hurdles. Relays. The 400 is going to feature as never before. Consider.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Men’s 400<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Norman has been on a two year tear. 43.60 in 2018 to set a new collegiate record. Second fastest relay split ever of 43.05. Anchor on a collegiate record 4×5. He opened up at 43.45 this year fueling anticipation of a showdown with Wayde van Niekerk. But WVN is having trouble recovering from injury, temporarily making it look like he’d have no peer as he destroyed everyone heading into Iowa. Then he lost at Trials although it took a slight injury and Feed Kerley setting a PR 43.65 to do it. So now he’s got a new foe as he and Feed will go at it in Doha. As Kerley will be looking to prove his win was NOT a fluke. Norman looking to reassert his supremacy. And many believing that the WR in this event is in danger! Get your popcorn here, Fred and Michael gonna race!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women’s 400<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meanwhile on the distaff side, breaking the 49sec barrier had become so rare that many couldn’t remember seeing it happen back in 2009. Then out of the blue last year, Shaunae Miller Uibo ran 48.97 to slip under what had become a magical barrier. While Salwa Eid Naser chased her to the line in 49.08. Suddenly the world had two super quarter milers and the countdown to Worlds began. Except one more surprise showed up this year as Aminatou Seyni nearly upset Nasser with a 49.19 bomb of her own. Now the women’s 400 looks like it’s been transported back to the 90’s – maybe even the 80’s. As Miller Uibo, Nasser, and Seyni prepare to enter Doha stadium! The greatest collection of 400 meter talent in some two decades. Something special is about to happen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Men’s 400H<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking of a special collection of talent. Behold the coming attack on one of the sports\u2019 most venerable world records. Kevin Youngs\u2019s stunning 46.78 record from the 1992 Olympics! Running \u201cat home\u201d will be =# 3 all time Abderrahmane Samba (46.98). Joined by =# 3 all time Rai Benjamin (46.98), and #2 all time Karsten Warholm the European record holder at 46.92! Together they are the fastest collection of hurdlers to ever race against each other! This is the hurdling equivalent of the 100 meters in Seoul 1988! Which means the potential for an epic contest resulting in a new WR. At least that’s what most track aficionados are anticipating.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women’s 400H<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the world has spent the last year waiting for the men to break their record, the women took matters into their own hands. At the US Trials, Dalilah Muhammad screamed to a WR 52.20 with Sydney McLaughlin in hot pursuit at 52.88. As my father used to say, it was all over but the shouting. Sydney was the world leader as the race began, but waited too late to start her \u201ckick\u201d in Iowa. She returned to defeat Muhammad in Paris with 52.85. We’ll get to see them one more time in Doha when she and Dalilah line up for round 4! As easily as both women have seemingly run this year they could threaten the 52 second barrier. Just getting that much closer would be astonishing. Note, that this is the first time that the US has held both records since Kevin Young and Kim Batten held the records between 1992 and 2003. Now we have the potential to have two WR setters in the same event, in the same meet. The last time that happened was in 1983 when Calvin Smith (9.93) and Evelyn Ashford (10.79) set dual 100 meter records at the US Sports Festival.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Men’s 4×1 Relay<\/strong><\/p>\n

The last time the US won a major 4×1 was 2007. It’s been a long drought! Since then, we’ve been snake bit every way imaginable including 2017 when even with Bolt falling to the ground on anchor, Great Britain edged us out. This year, however, we head to Worlds with the three fastest men on the planet – including the world’s fastest starter (Coleman) and the world’s fastest finisher (Lyles). Throw in the most experienced second leg on the planet (Gatlin) and one wonders if we can screw this one up?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women’s 4×1 Relay <\/strong><\/p>\n

This had been the US v Jamaica for the better part of a decade. Not sure the US is ready to hold up our end of the deal. As a matter of fact is beginning to look like perhaps Germany is entering the fray as a legitimate contender. Jamaica may or may not be ready as they have the two fastest women in the world this year in Elaine Thompson and Shelley Ann. The question is who they’ll pair with them. Bottom line, this event WILL generate excitement. And that is why we’ll all be glued to the screen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Women’s 4×4 Relay<\/strong><\/p>\n

This event has been dominated by the US for some time. Primarily on the legs of some great 400 runners. This year’s 400 crop is not at that level, but the question on the minds of many is: can we load up on hurdlers – because we have those in abundance! If they aren’t too tired, I can see a 400 hurdle led squad running 3:16\/3:17. Jamaica might get close. But what I’m really looking forward to are some individual splits from the likes of Miler Uibo, Naser.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Men’s 4×4 Relay<\/strong><\/p>\n

We’ve not seen a blazing (2:56 or faster) relay in some time. And with good reason, because you need a sub 45 lead off followed up by some very fast 43 second legs. By fast we’re talking 43.2 not 43.8! Can the US do this? I’m not so sure to be honest. Yes, Norman (43.45) and Kerley (43.64) have run fast open 4’s. We’ll have to see what their companions being to the table. I do know that Britain, Jamaica, Botswana, the Bahamas, and frankly anyone stepping on the track will be looking for the upset. Because everyone wants to take us down! And that will make things very exciting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bottom line is this, one lap around the track can be extraordinarily exciting. And in 2019 it seems like every event covering a single lap is full of talented athletes. THAT is going to be the legaDoha Will Be Remembered for the Four<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

World Championships are the highlight of the sport. They showcase the best that track and field has to offer. During each one, the absolute best of the best rises to the top to create the meet\u2019s most lasting memories. The inaugural championships in 1983 was the debut of Carl Lewis to the world. The followup in \u201987 was the debut of Been Johnson. Ninety one was the most epic long jump competition in history and the fall of the world record. So what will Doha be remembered for? What event(s) and competitor(s) will capture the crowd and our imaginations? After much thought, I’ve come to the conclusion, that this will be the year of everything 400. We are going to see stunning races over one lap. Open. Hurdles. Relays. The 400 is going to feature as never before. Consider.   Men’s 400 Michael Norman has been on a two year tear. 43.60 in 2018 to set a new collegiate record. Second fastest relay split ever of 43.05. Anchor on a collegiate record 4×5. He opened up at 43.45 this year fueling anticipation of a showdown with Wayde van Niekerk. But WVN is having trouble recovering from injury, temporarily making it look like he’d have no peer as he destroyed everyone heading into Iowa. Then he lost at Trials although it took a slight injury and Feed Kerley setting a PR 43.65 to do it. So now he’s got a new foe as he and Feed will go at it in Doha. As Kerley will be looking to prove his win was NOT a fluke. Norman looking to reassert his supremacy. And many believing that the WR in this event is in danger! Get your popcorn here, Fred and Michael gonna race!   Women’s 400 Meanwhile on the distaff side, breaking the 49sec barrier had become so rare that many couldn’t remember seeing it happen back in 2009. Then out of the blue last year, Shaunae Miller Uibo ran 48.97 to slip under what had become a magical barrier. While Salwa Eid Naser chased her to the line in 49.08. Suddenly the world had two super quarter milers and the countdown to Worlds began. Except one more surprise showed up this year as Aminatou Seyni nearly upset Nasser with a 49.19 bomb of her own. Now the women’s 400 looks like it’s been transported back to the 90’s – maybe even the 80’s. As Miller Uibo, Nasser, and Seyni prepare to enter Doha stadium! The greatest collection of 400 meter talent in some two decades. Something special is about to happen.   Men’s 400H Speaking of a special collection of talent. Behold the coming attack on one of the sports\u2019 most venerable world records. Kevin Youngs\u2019s stunning 46.78 record from the 1992 Olympics! Running \u201cat home\u201d will be =# 3 all time Abderrahmane Samba (46.98). Joined by =# 3 all time Rai Benjamin (46.98), and #2 all time Karsten Warholm the European record holder at 46.92! Together they are the fastest collection of hurdlers to ever race against each other! This is the hurdling equivalent of the 100 meters in Seoul 1988! Which means the potential for an epic contest resulting in a new WR. At least that’s what most track aficionados are anticipating.   Women’s 400H While the world has spent the last year waiting for the men to break their record, the women took matters into their own hands. At the US Trials, Dalilah Muhammad screamed to a WR 52.20 with Sydney McLaughlin in hot pursuit at 52.88. As my father used to say, it was all over but the shouting. Sydney was the world leader as the race began, but waited too late to start her \u201ckick\u201d in Iowa. She returned to defeat Muhammad in Paris with 52.85. We’ll get to see them one more time in Doha when she and Dalilah line up for round 4! As easily as both women have seemingly run this year they could threaten the 52 second barrier. Just getting that much closer would be astonishing. Note, that this is the first time that the US has held both records since Kevin Young and Kim Batten held the records between 1992 and 2003. Now we have the potential to have two WR setters in the same event, in the same meet. The last time that happened was in 1983 when Calvin Smith (9.93) and Evelyn Ashford (10.79) set dual 100 meter records at the US Sports Festival.   Men’s 4×1 Relay The last time the US won a major 4×1 was 2007. It’s been a long drought! Since then, we’ve been snake bit every way imaginable including 2017 when even with Bolt falling to the ground on anchor, Great Britain edged us out. This year, however, we head to Worlds with the three fastest men on the planet – including the world’s fastest starter (Coleman) and the world’s fastest finisher (Lyles). Throw in the most experienced second leg on the planet (Gatlin) and one wonders if we can screw this one up?   Women’s 4×1 Relay This had been the US v Jamaica for the better part of a decade. Not sure the US is ready to hold up our end of the deal. As a matter of fact is beginning to look like perhaps Germany is entering the fray as a legitimate contender. Jamaica may or may not be ready as they have the two fastest women in the world this year in Elaine Thompson and Shelley Ann. The question is who they’ll pair with them. Bottom line, this event WILL generate excitement. And that is why we’ll all be glued to the screen.   Women’s 4×4 Relay This event has been dominated by the US for some time. Primarily on the legs of some great 400 runners. This year’s 400 crop is not at that level, but the question on the minds of many is: can we load up on hurdlers – because we have those in abundance! If they aren’t too tired, I can see a 400 hurdle led squad running 3:16\/3:17. Jamaica might get close. But what I’m really looking forward to are some individual splits from the likes of Miler Uibo, Naser.   Men’s 4×4 Relay We’ve not seen a blazing (2:56 or faster) relay in some time. And with good reason, because you need a sub 45 lead off followed up by some very fast 43 second legs. By fast we’re talking 43.2 not 43.8! Can the US do this? I’m not so sure to be honest. Yes, Norman (43.45) and Kerley (43.64) have run fast open 4’s. We’ll have to see what their companions being to the table. I do know that Britain, Jamaica, Botswana, the Bahamas, and frankly anyone stepping on the track will be looking for the upset. Because everyone wants to take us down! And that will make things very exciting.   Bottom line is this, one lap around the track can be extraordinarily exciting. And in 2019 it seems like every event covering a single lap is full of talented athletes. THAT is going to be the legaDoha Will Be Remembered for the Four<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_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":[541,521,518,539,470,540,522,547],"class_list":["post-2403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-benjamin","tag-lyles","tag-mclaughlin","tag-miller-uibo","tag-muhammad","tag-naser","tag-norman","tag-samba"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pa3DCY-CL","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":275,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=275","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":0},"title":"Torrin Lawrence Again","author":"CHill","date":"February 15, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Another busy indoor weekend - with a bit of outdoor action thrown in. The big mark was once again laid down by Torrin Lawrence. Previously Lawrence set a collegiate record in the 300, this time around he ran a sensational 45.03 in the 400. Not quite a record, but the\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Track and Field: Tyson Invitational","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cdn.picapp.com\/ftp\/Images\/1\/1\/0\/d\/PicImg_Track_and_Field_de11.JPG?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":158,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=158","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":1},"title":"The Stars are Coming Out in Carson","author":"CHill","date":"May 14, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"The Visa Championship Series always hits its stride this time of year with the trio of Carson, New York and Eugene leading into the National Championships. This year Carson will kick this stretch run off in fine style with stars galore this weekend.Previous Carson winners World Champion sprinter Tyson Gay\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2347,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=2347","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":2},"title":"Six Matchups I’m Looking Forward To in 2019","author":"CHill","date":"November 24, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 Ok. The 2018 track season is well behind us now as cross country and marathons dominate the landscape. As a matter of fact, the indoor season is right around the corner, which means that many athletes are already back grinding in preparation for the first of the upcoming three\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Benjamin\"","block_context":{"text":"Benjamin","link":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?tag=benjamin"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trackchill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Placeholder-150x150.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":484,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=484","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":3},"title":"Oliver (13.14) & Felix (22.38) in Daegu","author":"CHill","date":"May 12, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"The Colorful Daegu meet is already over. I had forgotten how early things are in that part of the world compared to here in the US. Suddenly I remember the Seoul Olympics and the huge difference in time. Watching Worlds this year is going to be a middle of the\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"image","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lh3.ggpht.com\/_q69RXDGKhjE\/TcvthBXz-II\/AAAAAAAAALQ\/XY_bMApxC4M\/image_thumb.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2359,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=2359","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":4},"title":"Ten Predictions for 2019","author":"CHill","date":"December 31, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"I'm going to start the new year right. One, I'll be posting more. Not as much as I used to because I'm coaching. But a lot more than I have since my illnesses\/surgeries. That said, I'm going to start with my predictions for 2019 - the first being that it's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Benjamin\"","block_context":{"text":"Benjamin","link":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?tag=benjamin"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trackchill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Track-Section_thumb-129x150.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":289,"url":"http:\/\/trackchill.com\/?p=289","url_meta":{"origin":2403,"position":5},"title":"Championship Weekend – Great Finish","author":"CHill","date":"March 14, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"This was how the indoor season was supposed to be - closed in personal setting with lots of excitement. Give me eight to ten weeks of this every winter and I would be one happy camper. 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