IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

We will break the preview up into a 5 part series.

MONDAY- WOMEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

TUESDAY- MEN'S SPRINTS & HURDLES

WEDNESDAY- MEN'S & WOMEN'S DISTANCE EVENTS

THURSDAY- MEN'S AND WOMEN'S FIELD

FRIDAY- MULTI EVENT PREVIEW & RELAYS

During our preview of the upcoming World Championship we will not discuss every event in each category, but the noteworthy athletes in the noteworthy events.

Women's Preview

1. 100 Meter Dash

Many newspapers in Jamaica and in the United Kingdom are asking is this race all about Carmelita Jeter of the United States. Jeter is currently the number ranked 100 meter sprinter in the world with a time of 10.70. Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica is a closed second in 10.76. I understand how many feel in regards to Jeter excellent performances, but it is different during the rounds. It is easy to run a great 100 if it is one round. Jeter was great in 2009 but did not win the gold. I feel history will repeat itself and Campbell-Brown will finally claim the gold.

VERONICA CAMPBELL-BROWN (Jamaica)

2. 200 METER DASH

This race will be all about whose legs are more fresh, Campbell-Brown or Allyson Felix of the United States. Campbell-Brown may be on an emotional high after winning the 100 meters. Felix may be exhausted from her rounds in the 400. Campbell-Brown has been able to beat Felix at the past Olympic Games. When it comes to the past three world championships it has been Felix. Felix will be looking for the double in the 200 and 400. No one has been able to complete that double since Marie Jose-Perec of France and Michael Johnson of the United States did it at the 1996 Olympic Games. Shalonda Solomon also of the United States has been a youth star and is coming off a big win at the National Championship. Solomon maybe the best prepared since she is only competing in the 200 meter dash.

ALLYSON FELIX (USA)

3. 400 METER DASH

Sanya Richards-Ross of the United States is making a comeback of sorts. Although Richards is the defending champion it has been a difficult year for her. Richards initially struggled to get under 51 seconds and then 50 seconds while on the way losing race after race. Richards suffered a season injury in 2010 and struggled to regain her form. Richards finally broke through with the number 2 ranked time in the world at the London Diamond League clocking in at 49.66. Anastasiya Kapachinskaya of Russia currently has the world number 1 time in 49.35 and will be a tough challenge for Richards.

Felix will also be a challenge currently ranked number 4 with a time of 49.81. Felix also had the number 1 time in the world for majority of the season. Her speed maybe her best asset. Amantle Montsho of Botswana is the biggest threat to winning the race having won against Richards at least 3 times and is the current Diamond League points leader. Montsho has a season's best time of 49.71 and is currently ranked number 3.

SANYA RICHARDS ROSS (USA)

4. 100 Meter Hurdles

Australia's Sally Pearson has been excellent all season. Pearson has an excellent blend of speed and has been dominating the Diamond League meets. Pearson has a world leading time of 12.48 and with her speed maybe able to lower that time. Kellie Wells and Danielle Carruthers of the United States have both been able to run 12.5 this season and have equally challenged Pearson to the line in their races. Tiffany Porter of Great Britain is the lone European hope and may need a personal best to get on the podium, which would not be a surprising if she did.

SALLY PEARSON (Australia)

5. 400 METER HURDLES

This event has become one of Jamaica's best and may stay that way for a while. Kaliese Spencer has sat in the shadow of Melaine Walker for quite some time. She may have broke through that this season, Spencer has a world leading time of 52.79. Spencer seems to be getting better meet by meet. Walker has not been herself this season, unable to claim a major victory over her closest competitors she will have to bring that championship magic. Lashinda Demus of the United States and Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic will also challenge for the title.


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Summer Track Volume 1

It is now August we are sadly reaching the final strech run of the track and field season. The World Championships are the end of this month. This has been such an up and down season for all events in track and field. Let's take a look at 6 major stories.


1. Lashawn Merritt returns

Whether you like it or not, Merritt has returned back to the track. His recent performance in Stockholm finishing in a close second clocking in at 44.74 instantly puts the defending champion in the driver's seat for the world title. Wariner not only has been inconsistent but he is now injured. Chris Brown of the Bahamas and Jermaine Gonzales will be strong challengers for the title.



2. Allyson Felix will double

To some this does not seem like a great decision. Allyson Felix recently announced that she will compete in the 400 meter dash as well as the 200. This is the toughest double for sprinters. The last athlete to complete the double was Michael Johnson and Marie-Jose Perec in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympic Games. Felix has been more consistent in the 400 this season than the 200. We have yet to see Felix dip under 22 seconds. However do not rule out Felix, if anyone can do it she can.




3. David Rudisha thinks of sub 1:40 800.

Yes it is freakish to think that a human can dip under 1 minute and 40 seconds in the 800 meter run. As american we are convinced it cannot be done and what is his 400 time. However Rudisha a Kenyan may just be that guy. Rudisha's world record performance last season clocking in at 1:41.01 may just be the beginning.

4. Brittany Reese the best American female jumper since JJK?

The answer simply, yes. Reese's performance the past 3 seasons have been simply remarkable. Tianna Madison was expected to be the athlete to replace Kersee and has slighlt gone off course. Reese claimed the title at the 2009 World Championship and will look to defend that title already currently ranked the world the number 1.

5. Jamaican Sprint Dominance

Yes they have caught us and our now surpassing us. The Jamaican men currently dominate the short sprints. In the 100 meter dash there are currently five Jamaicans running sub 9.90. That does not include Yohan Blake who ran a barely wind-aided 9.8 early in the season. The lack of an American 100 meter threat can be contributed to many things, drugs, lack of interests and better coaching in Jamaica.

The youth this past season does give us very encouraging signs for the future however majority of our best sprinters are lost in football. Jamaican Jazeel Murhpy is the next big sensation and has no other focus than track and field. There have been great American sprinters who have become nobodies or average athletes on NFL teams. Sprinters such as Trindon Holliday and Jacoby Ford make you wonder what could have been. Holliday was exceptionally gifted, if he had a solid track and field base he would have run 9.8 in college. Where is Holliday now? There is still room for optimism but even more room for concern.




6. Sally Pearson threatens American sweep in the 100 meter hurdles

Pearson has been on a tear this outdoor season in the hurdles. Currently with a world leading time of 12.48 Pearson is the Diamond League leader in the event having won 4 times. American's Danielle Carruthers, Kellie Wells and Dawn Harper are capable of defeating Pearson but haven't. All have ran 12.5 this season which should make for an interesting World Championship.


With the world championships coming around the corner, expect our next post to be the first of a 4 part preview.

Update

Busy summer, will be posting soon. I will definitely do a IAAF World Championship preview.

Summer Track and More

So I am back yet again. The NCAA season is officially over only 1 month until the NCAA cross country season starts. However for the many of us that watch professional track and field were are in the middle of the regular season. Let's take a look at some of the big stories in professional and NCAA track and field.


FLORIDA GATORS FALLS SHORT FOR A 3RD STRAIGHT TIME.

Boy oh boy. Another disappointing ending for the Florida Gators at the NCAA Outdoor Championship. We cannot take anything away from Texas A&M, however the Gators had so many opportunities to win the men's NCAA Outdoor crown. Jeff Demps not qualifying in the 100 meter dash, Christian Taylor not qualifying in the long jump, Eddie Lovett not qualifying in the 110 hurdles, the 4x100 relay not finishing the race and the 4x400 relay falling short. The truth of the matter is, if just one of those stories turned positive the Gators would be National Champions. There is always next year Gator fans (including me), Dedric Dukes, Hugh Graham and Marquis Dendy will arrive this fall and a huge boost. I am curious to know if they have recruited a 100 meter guy as well.


USAIN BOLT COMEBACK IN FULL EFFECT

As a track fan I just sometimes and sit in amazement with what this athlete can do. Bolt is simply fantastic. After coming off a leg injury from last season Bolt defeated Asafa Powell in their first show down of the season with a time of 9.91 in the 100 meters. To open up your season against Asafa Powell and win is a pretty special. This year so far Bolt has not blown anyone away in the 100 but he needs to be wary of his country men, Powell and rising star Steve Mullings at the World Championship in Daegu.


SANYA RICHARDS-ROSS RETURN NOT AS SMOOTH AS EXPECTED

It has been somewhat of a difficult year for Sanya Richards. She has not been as dominant as in years past. She is slowly getting into shape. Richards ran a seasonal best of 50.61 to finish second to Amantle Montsho at the Lausanne, Switzerland Diamond League meet. Richards stated in a interview that the comeback was more difficult than expected. I still think Richards has was it takes to win the World Title but she will have to earn it and work on her endurance.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BLANKA VLASIC

Vlasic high jump Goddess. She has dominated the event over the past few seasons. This year though she has lost twice. Both at Diamond League events. Vlasic is 27 years of age and is in great shape, I do not expect to see her continue down a losing path by championship time Vlasic should be in perfect form.


The summer track season is in full effect. Expect for there to be some major noise in the coming weeks as many of the world's best athletes compete in the Diamond League meets.

Next Post: Review of the Diamond League Meet in Paris

Update

Sorry I was out for so long, we were out of internet service. Our next post will be a season review. We will also talk about the USA Championships and the professional outdoor season. Thank you for all those that still read.

Collegiate Update #3

Men's Sprints and Jumps Preview

The 100 meter dash is the glamour event of the NCAA Championship and all major track and field competition. This year the 100 meter dash is huge for the team battle between the three powers, Florida, Florida State and Texas A&M. Jeff Demps of Florida is the defending champion and currently ranked number 1 in the nation with a wind aided 9.96. There will be strong competition from Florida State's Maurice Mitchell and Ngondizashe Makusha. Demps must have a strong frame a mind and put the false start at the SEC Championships behind him. Demps is clearly the favorite in the event.

The 200 meter dash is expected to be a huge point boost for Florida State in the team competition. The Seminoles have Maurice Mitchell and Brandon Byram expected to score well in the event. Rakeeim Salaam of Oklahoma however is the current favorite. Salaam currently leads the nation with a time of 20.05.

In the long sprint 400 it has been a lackluster outdoor season after such a solid indoor season. This is also true in the professional ranks. This could be the start of a great summer. Kirani James ran a 44.8 indoors at the SEC Championship and has already matched that feat outdoors. Texas A&M''s Tabarie Henry and Demetrius Pinder will be strong competition to be in the event and both have also ran 44.8.

The 110 high hurdles is perhaps the most intriguing event. Omo Osaghae of Texas Tec missed all of last outdoor season with an injury and has set the season a fire with his great performances. Andrew Riley of Illinois and Barret Nugent wait in the wings and have the speed to match Osaghae. Nugent has already beaten Osaghae this season at the Texas Relays. Osaghae however has been flawless since then. Osaghae enters the meet as favorite, don't count out defending champion Riley.

The 400 hurdles has perhaps one of the best collegiate 400 hurdlers of all time. Jeshua Anderson has won the title twice before as a freshman and as a sophomore. Last season Anderson unfortunately came up short. This season he has been solid all season. Anderson has nearly a full second on the entire field and leads the NCAA with a time of 48.13. No other athlete is under 49 seconds.

The vertical jumping events is where Florida expects to score huge points. The Gators Christian Taylor and Will Claye are currently 1-2 in the triple jump and both are ranked in the top 10 in the long jump. Claye is Florida's biggest threat to double. Makusha of Florida State leads the NCAA with a mark over 27 feet and will try to see to it that 10 points is given to the Seminoles.

The High Jump may be absent Derek Drouin the defending champion from Indiana but there is a group of new stars in this event that are ready to take his place. Erik Kynard of Kansas State is the clear favorite for the title having leaped to 7-7 and the number 1 ranking. Fellow sophomore Ricky Robertson of Ole Miss will be tough for Kynard to shake. If Kynard wants the title it is going to possibly take a personal best.

The Pole Vault as usual is always an intriguing event at the championship meet. Senior Scott Roth is the clear favorite and with a season best of 18'9.25 may treat the fans in Des Moines, Iowa to a 19 foot performance for the win.

Collegiate Update# 2

Instead starting a series based off the regional results, instead we will move to a preview of the meet.

Monday- Women's Sprints and Jumps

Tuesday- Men's Sprints and Jumps

Wednesday- Men's and Women's Distance and Throws



WOMEN'S SPRINT PREVIEW

In the sprints it has been one incredible year. Performances and times we have not seen in quite some time. So far this season there have been two athletes under 11 seconds in the 100 meters, 13 athletes under 23 seconds in the 200 meters and 4 athletes under 52 seconds including a pair of freshman. The NCAA meet is shaping up to be a barn burner.

In the 100 meters Jeneba Tarmoh of Texas A&M has been the story all season. After her 10.94 performance at the Texas Relays, albeit wind aided, she has been stamped as number 1. She has been undefeated all outdoor season and I expect for that to stay. It will take a sub 11 performance to beat Semoy Hackett of LSU or English Gardner a true freshman from Oregon.

In the 200 meters Kimberlyn Duncan is the first real 200 meter star from LSU since Muna Lee. Kelly Ann Baptiste was great but never a real threat to win the title. As a sophomore Duncan has already won her first title winning the indoor crown. Her 22.18 performance as the LSU Alumni Gold meet stands alone as the best 200 meter performance since the mid 90's. She is not ready to challenge the NCAA record but will be sooner rather than later. Teammate Hackett and Tarmoh remain the top two threats.

In the 400 meters a stunning upset took place at the Big 12 Championships win Diamond Dixon a freshman from Kansas took down senior Jessica Beard of Texas A&M. Beard was having a great season, showing great speed in the 200. Beard is still favorite to win the title after winning indoors, however she must do her best to earn it. Joanna Atkins the champion in 2009 remains the top threat.

Senior Nia Ali of USC is having her best year yet at USC. Technically sound in the 100 hurdles and using her solid speed to power over each hurdle. Ali currently is tied for the top time in the country in 12.74, wind aided. Freshman Tiffani McReynolds of Baylor has lit up the Big 12 with that same time. With Brianna Rollins of Clemson out, Ali and McReynolds are the two to beat. Ali is my pick to become champion.

The 400 hurdles has to be the most competitive it has been in years. A total of 10 girls running sub 57 in the event. Ellen Wortham of Tennessee was already an expected All-American in the event, but what was so shocking was her performance at the SEC meet where won in 55.70 to beat Cassandra Tate defending champion from LSU. Wortham will have to put on a similar performance to claim the NCAA crown, Latoya James of North Carolina and Tierra Brown of Miami will be strong challengers.

In the vertical jumps, Mara Griva a freshman from Nebraska is in strong position to complete the double. In the long jump she is currently ranked number 1 with a leap of 21-11.75 and in the triple jump she is 3rd with a leap of 45 3.75. Kim Williams of Florida State looks to defend her title in the triple jump but Griva will be a tough competitor to shake.

In the high jump Brigetta Barrett of Arizona has remained the top performer all season including indoors. Her 6'4 performance makes her a huge favorite to win the title.

The Pole Vault has belonged to Tina Sutej of Arkansas. Once part of that great trio from a year ago, Sutej has had quite a season and continued in her winning ways with a NCAA leading performance of 15-1.5.