IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW PART 2

MEN'S SPRINTS & HURLDES PREVIEW


1. 100 METER DASH

There are multiple questions going into this event. Is the United States really that thin at the elite level of the 100 meter dash? Can Asafa Powell finally claim a world title, does Bolt have it this season?

Let's start with the former. Never has the United States looked so thin it what was once the country's most dominant event. Without Tyson Gay and a now suspended Michael Rodgers the United States must rely on Walter Dix to represent the country and push for gold. Justin Gatlin was once champion here in 2005, but is coming off a drug suspension. Here's hoping that talented group of youngsters stick to track and field and not football and the future will remain bright.

Asafa Powell of Jamaica has been somewhat of a time's guy. Meaning, he has produced some of the best individual performances in the 100 meter dash ever. However Powell has no gold to show for it. With his fellow countryman Usain Bolt not looking like his usual self, now is the best time for Powell to claim the gold.

ASAFA POWELL (JAMAICA)

2. 200 Meter Dash

Only two athletes look capable of claiming the gold for this half lap sprint. Dix and Bolt. Bolt is currently the only athlete to have gone under 20 seconds this season legally. Dix's national championship performance was barely wind-aided and was under 20 seconds. However Dix is capable of challenging Dix for the title in this event. Bolt may not be at his best but he still could possibly claim gold.

USAIN BOLT (JAMAICA)

WALTER DIX (USA)

3. 110 Meter Hurdles

Dayron Robles of Cuba is back after missing last season with an injury. Last season David Oliver of the United States dominated, winning every race and dipping under 13 seconds multiple times. Oliver has not look like himself most of this season. He has beaten Liu Xiang of China at the Prefontaine Classic and won the national title, other than that he has dealt with very notable losses. Former college and high school superstar American Jason Richardson has been able to beat Oliver on two occasions this season. Richardson maybe ready to claim the American crown and pushing Oliver to 2nd.

DAVID OLIVER (USA)


DAYRON ROBLES (CUBA)

4. 400 Meter Dash

Never has this event been so open. It is also the first time in a while since Clyde Hart has not had a threat to win it all. With Jeremy Wariner out with an injury and Lejerald Betters no where to be found the United States will have to rely on young talent such as Tony McQuay to compete for the world title.

However this season it seems as if the United States dominance over the event may come to an end due to youngster Kirani James of Grenada. James had a solid collegiate season defending his NCAA title. He recently defeated a strong group of professional sprinters at the London Diamond League clocking in a world leading 44.61. Although James is young, still a teenager, he is a serious threat for the world title.

Chris Brown of the Bahamas maybe the veteran favorite because of his personal best and ability to perform well at the Champion meets, keep an eye on him an do not be surprised if he wins the event.

KIRANI JAMES (GRENADA)

5. 400 Meter Hurdles

This maybe the United States best chance for a gold medal in the sprints. All four representatives have run under 48 seconds in their career, Jeshua Anderson, Bershawn Jackson and Angelo Taylor have all ran 47 seconds this season. Kerron Clement the defending champion has been a bit of disappointment this season and ever since he left Florida. Clement has only ran a season best 48.74. I think the speed training Holloway provided was under appreciated by Clement and is definitely showing. Clement may still claim the world title but will have to set a personal best against a strong American core and world leader Russian L.J. Van Zyl.

KERRON CLEMENT (USA)

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