IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

Well you noticed that I stopped after 2 posts during our preview. With the injuries it just made sense to simply wait. I cannot say we will not continue to post previews, but they will be few and far between. With that being said let us review the running and jumping events of the 2011 World Championships.

It goes without saying this was visually an average track meet at best. With such a strong regular season of full stadiums to have the meet at Daegu with so many empty seats was a disappointment. With the World Championships in town I expected more. What also hurt was the lack of big names in marquee events. However there was still plenty of great performances.


SPRINTS

Whether it is men or women the United States and Jamaica will always reign supreme. The venom will constantly spew and track fans will always get a performance.

Women

Carmelita Jeter returned the 100 meter gold to the United States for the first time since 2005. After twice being the bronze medalist she took control in the middle of the race and was able to hold off a charging Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica.

Campbell-Brown was able to exact her revenge leading from start to finish in the women's 200 to hold Jeter and defending champion American Allyson Felix.

Felix announced early on in the season she was interested in trying to complete a double. Although rarely accomplished Felix attempted the double with less than stellar results. Finishing 3rd in the 200 and 2nd in the 400 to Amantle Montsho of Botswana. Sanya Richards-Ross also had a difficult meat finishing 7th in the 400, a definite disappointment for the defending champion.

Sally Pearson of Australia definitely proved that this season was no fluke. She has had the superior sprint speed and technique to drive home a win in the 100 meter hurdles clocking in at 12.28 to claim the world title over Danielle Carruthers and Dawn Harper of the United States.

Lashinda Demus finally broke through her Jamaican competitors claiming the title in the women's 400 meter hurdles with a time of 52.43 to claim an American record. It is not early to pencil Demus in for a spot on the podium in London.

Men

The 100 meters lost three major stars in this event. American Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell of Jamaica pulled out due to injury and Usain Bolt false started in the final. With those three athletes out the field was wide open. Youngster Yohan Blake of Jamaica will still represent his country well clocking in at 9.92 into a headwind of Walter Dix of the United States.

Dix was finish second again to a Jamaican in the 200 meters. Bolt now fresh from not running the 100 meters clocked a world leading 19.40 that ranks in the top 5 all time. Bolt already the world record holder is simply increasing his legacy.

The United States was lucky to have Lashawn Merritt eligible to compete after serving a 2 year drug suspension. Jeremy Wariner of the United States pulled out prior to the meet due to an injury. A defintite downer for team USA after Wariner finished last season as number 1 with a time of 44.13. Kirani James of Grenada would be the one to challenge Merritt and in the finals the teenager took gold with a time of 44.61. James the young talented phenom is definitely a bright spot for the future.

The 110 hurdles unfortunately ended with a bit of controversy. Dayron Robles won the event but was disqualified due a Chinese protest that he bumped Liu Xiang. This prompted Jason Richardson to the title and Liu Xiang to 2nd.

The 400 hurdles was expected to be a bright spot for the United States with four athletes in the field with personal bests under 48 seconds. However only two qualified to the final and neither were able to medal. Bershawn Jackson hit a hurdle early in the race taking him out rhythm and Angelo Taylor hit a hurdle late. David Greene of Great Britain claimed the title in a time of 48.26.


JUMPS

Men

It has been a long time since the United States Men has had such great performances coming from the field athletes. This year would prove to be a golden one.

Defending champion Dwight Phillips continued his dominance in the long jump. Phillips leaped to 8.45 meters to claim his 4th world title.

The Triple Jump has not been on America's radar in quite some time. That has now changed thanks to two youngsters Christian Taylor and Will Claye. Taylor has been one of the most dominant triple jumpers in NCAA history while competing for Florida. Taylor dethroned Phillips Idowu of Great Britian to take the world title with a leap of 17.96 meters. Taylor's win was totally unexpected but truly welcomed.

Jesse Williams continued that winning feeling by claiming the title in the High Jump. Williams title in the High Jump was America's first in twenty years. His leap of 2.35 meters was declared winner with fewer misses than Russian Alexsey Dmitrik.

Trey Hardee would round out America's gold rush. Hardee the defending champion had the best well rounded performance to score a total of 8,607 points over fellow American Ashton Eaton.

The Pole Vault would be the lone disappointment in the jumping events for the USA. The USA is generally a mainstay on the podium in this events, unfortunately none made it the podium this time around. Pawel Wojciechowski of Poland claimed the title with a mark of 5.90 meters.


DISTANCE

MEN & WOMEN HIGHLIGHTS

In the men's distance races Kenya continued their usual dominance winning the 800; 1,500; 3,000 meter steeplechase and the marathon. That was a total of 4 golds out of a possible six. David Rudisha continued his winning ways with a time of 1:43.91 to claim gold in the 800.

In the women's races Vivian Cheruiyot continued her country's success in distance racing completing a rare double by winning the 5,000 and 10,000 respectively.

In the 800 controversial star Caster Semenya of South Africa fell short of defending her title. Mariya Savinova took control of the race to claim the title in a time of 1:55.87 the current world leading time.

Jennifer Simpson of the United States provided a huge boost to American distance running in the 1,500 by winning the gold in a time of 4:05.41. Simpson a former college star at the University of Colorado is part of America's bright future in distance running.

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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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.