|
|
|
 |
|
World Championships Blog
By: Conway Hill
Saturday, August 25 2007 12:08:44 PM |
|
Day Eight --
Penultimate day of the meet - and the excitement continues to be high! Qualifying in the Women's 4x4 went as expected with the US and Russia emerging as the favorites for the final. Same on the Men's side with the US, the Bahamas, and Jamaica showing best form.
Then in the decathlon, with American Bryan Clay out due to injury Maurice Smith (JAM) stepped up to put pressure on WR holder Roman Sebrle (CZE). Smith PR'd in several events including a huge PR in the pole vault to look like he was going to pull off the upset. But Sebrle (CZE, 8676 pts) blasted a huge Javelin throw to secure victory in the Decathlon prior to the final 1500 meter run. Maurice Smith (JAM, 8644 pts) had another PR in the 1500 but fell just short and had to settle for the silver while Dmitry Karpov (KAZ, 8586 pts) won the bronze.
In the Women's 5000, the field went very slow until the final lap, when Meseret Defar (ETH, 14:57.91) took control and ran a 58 second last lap to take the gold. Kenya dominated the next several spots as Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN, 14:58.50), and Priscah Cherono (KEN, 14:59.21) took silver and bronze just ahead of team mate Sylvia Kibet.
But this was all filler on the day as the excitement was saved for the final sprint clashes between clear rivals USA and Jamaica. First up was the Women's 4x1 and from the gun it appeared that the United States was going to win in a runaway as Lauryn Williams, and Allyson Felix put the squad way out in front. Coming into the anchor leg Torri Edwards had a huge lead over Jamaica's Veronica Campbell. But Campbell showed why she won the open 100 meters by blitzing the straight and closing the gap until once again she and Edwards found themselves leaning at the finish. The US squad (41.98) held on for gold over Jamaica (42.01) with Belgium (42.75) a far back bronze.
Then one more time, the sprinters from Jamaica and the United States took to the track with the question becoming, can Tyson Gay and crew, give anchor Leroy Dixon enough room over Asafa Powell! The answer to that question was a resounding YES as, despite less than optimal passing, Darvis Patton, Wallace Spearmon, and Tyson Gay gave Dixon about 5 meters to work with! Powell did his best to close ground but could only make up about half of it as he found himself leaning at the line to overcome Britain and Mark Lewis Francis, who after giving up a bit of ground early held strong in the closing stages of the race. The United States took gold in 37.78 over the deepest field in history as Jamaica (37.89, silver, NR), Britain (37.90, bronze) and Brazil (37.99) all broke the 38 second barrier. The race was so deep that Japan ran 38.03 yet only finished 5th!
Only one day left, and the final question is will we see a WR before this meet is done?
Day Seven --
Well, the competition shifted into high gear today - and with it so did a few athletes. So let's get right to it with the Women's Triple Jump. For several years now the women of the world have been trying to figure out how to beat favored Tayana Lebedeva (RUS) in this event. Today Yargelis Savigne (CUB, 15.28/50'1.75) figured out that if you jump a world leader in the first round, that will take care of it as she boomed her gold medal winning jump on her very first attempt! Try as she might, Lebedeva could only produce a silver medal winning 15.07/49'5.5 after that. Hrysopiyi Devetzi (GRE, 15.04/49'4.25) used the same plan as Savigne as her first round leap held up for bronze.
We stay on the field as Barbora Sptakova (CZE, 67.07/220') took the gold medal and set a National Record with a tremendous 3rd effort over the German duo of Christine Obergfoll (GER, 66.46/218) and Steffi Nerius (GER, 64.42/211'4).
Then we switch to a track that apparently was still sizzling after Tyson Gay's 200 victory late yesterday. First we were treated to the semi finals in the Men's 4x100 Relay and a preview of the final in semi two where the United States and Jamaica squared off. With the US running a squad that was minus a resting Tyson Gay, the handed off a couple meters in front of Jamaica and anchor Asafa Powell looking to redeem himself from his 100 meter defeat. In short fashion Powell ran down US anchor Leroy Dixon as Jamaica set a National Record 38.03 over the US's 38.10, setting up another highly anticipated showdown between the US (plus Tyson Gay) and Jamaica in the final.
Then following in Gay's footsteps the women took to the track for their 200 Meter final. And this advertised "three woman race" became a one woman runaway almost from the gun as Allyson Felix (USA, 21.81) exploded coming off the turn and ran away down the straight to the largest victory margin ever in a World Championships while recording the first sub22 second effort since Marrion Jones won Olympic gold in 21.84 back in 2000. In her wake was former Olympic Champion Veronica Campbell (JAM, 22.31) and Susanthika Jayasinghe (SRI, 22.63). Felix was the picture of fluidity as she simply flowed down the straight.
And fluidity seemed to be the recipe for success on the track and that theme was repeated in the final of the Men's 400 Meters. Following Lashawn Merritt (USA) down the backstretch, Jeremy Wariner (USA) looked poised to do what he has done so many times before and destroy the field on the final turn. But Merritt seemed to have "upset" on his mind as he too ran a very hard turn coming off the turn with Wariner. Wariner showed, however, why he is the defending World and Olympic Champion as he powerfully, but effortlessly pulled away from Merritt in the stretch to take his second consecutive World gold in a World leading PR of 43.45. Merritt was rewarded for his efforts with a tremendous PR 43.96 for the silver medal. Behind them Angelo Taylor (USA, 44.32) held off the late charge of Bahamian Chris Brown for the bronze medal.
The day ended with one more athlete demonstrating his ability to flow down the track and the men took the stage for the 110 Meter High Hurdles. This was an interesting race as the two top combatants were far apart in lanes 4 and 9. At the gun Terrence Trammell (USA) was out blazing and apparently running away from the field. Until you looked over in lane 9 and saw Liu Xiang (CHN) rolling right along! And as they approached the line nearly together it was Xiang (12.95) just ahead of Trammell (12.99) for the gold medal. Finishing fast was David Payne (USA, 13.02) who set a personal best while getting the bronze.
Man what an exciting day/morning! And with relay finals on the way its going to get even BETTER!
Day Six --
There were only four finals today, but there was enough excitement to last through the entire session. It started with the Women's Hammer, as they seemed to have decided that it just wasn't enough to let the women on the track have all the close exciting competitions.So Bettey Heidler (GER, 74.76/245'3, gold) unleashed her winning throw in round 2, then watched Yipsi Moreno (CUB, 74.74/245'2, silver) and Wenxiu Zhang (74.39/244', bronze) play leapfrog in rounds 4, 5 and 6. As first Moreno, round 4 (74.33), then Zhang, round 5 (74.39), then finally Moreno in the final round (74.74) crept closer and closer. While Heidler tried to better her round two performance and held her breath to eek out the win in one of the closest Hammer finals ever.
Then to continue the excitement the women took the track for the 400 hurdles. From the gun it was a two woman race as Jana Rawlinson (AUS) and Yulia Pechonkina (RUS) went flying down the backstretch and immediately built a lead on the rest of the field. Rawlinson went hard around the final turn and came into the straight with a sizeable lead over Pechonkina. For a moment it looked like the former champion was going to run her down but Rawlinson's drive to the finish was too much as she won gold in a season's best 53.31. Pechonkina's season's best 53.50 garnered her silver as Anna Jessien (POL) made her own late race charge to come up from back in the pack to get bronze in 54.92.
And while this was transpiring, the men were already engaged in their own battle in the Long Jump pit. Dwight Phillips (USA, 8.30/27'2.75) started things off with a nice 8.30m leap in round 1 which was promptly answered by favorite Irving Saladino (PAN) in round 2. Saladino then sailed 8.46/27'9.25 in round 3 to put pressure on the field. And the pressure seemed to work as Phillips has his worst distance of the competition in round 4 and then fouled in round 5. But then young Andrew Howe (FRA), who had been in 4th place and trying to battle for bronze, unleashed a huge 8.47/27'9.5 to edge ahead of Saladino and into gold medal contention. Saladino showed the heart of a champion, however, and on his final jump sailed8.57/28'1.5 to nail down the gold medal. Howe hung on for silver as Phillips did not improve on his final jump and had to settle for bronze. Both jumps for Howe and Saladino were National Records.
Then the day closed with the Men's 200 Meters which saw Tyson Gay (USA) take the track in an attempt to win a sprint double after winning the 100 meters on the 2nd day of competition. Quick out of the blocks Gay made up the stagger on Usain Bolt (JAM) who himself was running possibly his best turn ever. Gay and Bolt came off the turn ahead of the rest of the field and the race was on for gold. Gay never wavered and increased his lead slightly down the stretch and finished in a meet record 19.76 to collect his second gold of the competition. Bolt held on for the silver in 19.91 as Wallace Spearmon (USA, 20.05) edged team mate Rodney Martin (USA, 20.06, PB) for the bronze. Gay became only the third sprinter in World Championships history to pull off the sprint double and improved on the previous meet record that had been held by one Michael Johnson!
We've seen nothing but great competition, which promises to get even better tomorrow as Allyson Felix and Jeremy Wariner take to the track to defend titles won in Helsinki, and the opening round of the relays begin.
Day Five --
I tell ya, I'm used to not getting much sleep, but trying to watch this meet live is gonna kill me!
Another great day of competition. This is shaping up as one hum dinger of a meet. And at this point I'm not looking at qualifying any more other than some key semifinals, because the final competition is seriously HOT!
And it doesn't get any hotter than the Men's High Jump as we were treated to a world leading effort that was equaled by all three of the medalists! Donald Thomas (GAH, 2.35, 7'8.5) was our winner with his first attempt clearance at the height. Thomas was solid all competition and actually seemed like he was enjoying the competition. He was joined on the podium by Yaroslav Rybakov (RUS, 2.35/7'8.5) with his second attempt clearance, and Kyriakos Ioannou (CYP, 2.35/7'8.5) who also cleared on second attempt but had taken an extra attempt at the previous height. Pre meet favorite Stefan Holm (SWE) finished just out of the medals in 4th position, continuing a trend of favorites getting knocked down in this meet.
The Women's Discus followed no such trend, however, as favored Franka Dietzsch (Ger, 66.61/218'6) put the field away with her first round bomb! This favorite left nothing to chance. Behind her Darya Pishchalnikova (RUS, 65.78/215'10) and Yarelis Barrios (CUB, 63.90/209'8) set personal bests in while winning silver and bronze. Yet were no match for Dietzsch who would have won with any of her five fair throws!
Another trend was continued in the next two finals - a trend of sizzling, exciting performances from the women! First there was the Women's 100, then the Women's 800, and next in line was today's Women's 100 Hurdles. A race that nearly mirrored the 100 meters saw Michelle Perry (USA, 12.46) just inches ahead of a blanket finish for the medals as she won her second consecutive gold in this event. Another photo found Perdita Felicien (12.49, SB) just ahead of Delloreen Ennis London (JAM, 12.50, PB) for silver and bronze, as Susanna Kallur (12.51, PB) just missed out on a medal. This race was so fast, deep, and close that the 8th and final spot was timed in a sizzling 12.66! These women came to play!
But the race of the day was the Women's 400 Meters. Touted as a "you pick em" race with the absence of American Sanya Richards, these women trully ran as though any one of them could win it. And by the middle of the backstraight it was clear that Novlene Williams (JAM) felt that this was HER day. Running like a woman possessed Williams flew down the backstretch and around the turn and emerged with a sizable lead. That's when the excitement began as several women began to drive for home. And with about 50 meters to go Christine Ohuruogu (GBR, 49.61) began to move by as team mate Nicola Sanders (GBR, 49.65) also shifted gears. Williams (JAM, 49.66) tried gamely to hold on, but Ohuruogo was too much and won the gold as a leaning Sanders edged by for silver. Williams was rewarded for her efforts with bronze as the Brits set personal bests and Williams got a seasons best. Super vet, Ana Guevara (MEX, 50.16) also got a seasonal best as she finished just out of the medals. And like the women's hurdle race, this race was also deep as the 8th spot here went in 50.96!
People we have ourselves a World Championships going on! And tomorrow should be another exciting day as Tyson Gay goes for his second gold medal. But it won't be easy as Wallace Spearmon and Usain Bolt have looked good in the rounds, and Marvin Anderson suddenly looks like he could be in the picture! Should be another barn burner.
Day Four --
Well, the 100 meter races aside, it felt like the meet got going in earnest today. Probably because the ante on finals was upped and with it the level of excitement. We still have a few qualifying rounds, most notably the men's 200 and 400 meters. Suffice it to say that everyone that should've made it through did, and favorites Jeremy Wariner (400) and Tyson Gay (200) looked very easy in the process.
But the real excitement today, was generated in the finals with Upset Monday spilling over to Tuesday and the Men's Discus Throw. Gerd Kanter (EST) has lead the world in this event all season long, yet has not been able to defeat Virgilijus Alekna who had become invincible - until today. Alekna never seemed to really get untracked, and when Kanter unleashed his 68.94m/226'2 bomb in round 3 the competition was over and Kanter had defeated Alekna and won gold! Rutger Smith (NED, 66.42/217'11) also had his best throw in the 3rd round which ended up good enough for bronze, and Robert Harting (GER, 66.68/218'9) garnered silver with his 5th round toss. Alekna (LTU, 65.24/214') finished just out of the medals in 4th place - a spot he is not accustomed to.
One athlete who finished in an accustomed position was Yelena Isinbaeva (RUS) in the Women's Pole Vault. How good is she? Well, she didn't even take an attempt until 4.65m/15'3, which she cleared on first attempt! She didn't vault again until the bar reached 4.80m/15'9 which she cleared on second attempt to easily win gold. Three attempts, one gold. Not a bad day's work. Yet she nonchalantly dismantled the deepest finish ever. Katerina Badurova (CZE, 4.75m/15'7) set a National Record with her silver medal performance, and Svetlana Feofanova (RUS, 4.75, 15'7) finished with the same mark for bronze. Monika Pyrek (POL, 4.75m/15'7) was also right there but finished just out of the medals due to misses at lower heights. Vanessa Boslak (FRA, 4.70, 15'5) was also in striking distance yet could only finish 5th while setting a French National Record! This event was hot!
And speaking of hot, that would describe Russia and Kenya in the Women's Long Jump and Men's Steeplechase! Russia swept the medals in the Women's Long Jump dominated an event that was not as deep as could have been expected. Tatyana Lebedeva (RUS, 7.03m/23'.75") won gold with the only jump over 7m/23'. And as the favorite in the Triple Jump could be looking at double gold in this meet. Compatriots Lyudmila Kolchanova (RUS, 6.92m/22.8.5") and Tatyana Kotova (6.90m/22'7.25) rounded out the sweep for Russia.
The Kenyans followed suit in the Men's Steeplechase running away from the field in a fairly pedestrian time for this event. Brimin Kiprop Kipruto (KEN, 8:13.82), Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN, 8:16.94) and Richard Kipkenboi Mateelong (KEN, 8:17.59) running easily to gold, silver, and bronze.
Ah, but the penultimate event of the day, the Women's 800, now that race now rivals the women's 100 in this meet for race of the meet honors! Kenyan Janeth Jepkosgei obviously decided before the race that her only shot at gold was to go out hard and dare everyone else to go with her, because that is exactly what she did. Leading from the gun she went through in a blistering 56.16 first 400! And as she set sail down the backstretch it became clear that she wasn't going to die. As Jepkosgei kept going and going like the Energizer Bunny athletes the caliber of Sviatlana Usovich (RUS), Brigita Langerholc (SLO) and favored Olga Kotlyarova (RUS) began to fall off the pace as if the bell on the bus rang for their exit. Finally shortly after the final turn the great Maria Mutola finally cried "uncle" and stepped off the track! Jepkosgei flowed up the track never wavering as she finished in a world leading 1:56.04 to win gold for Kenya. Behind her Hasna Benhassi (MAR, 1:56.99) and Mayte Martinez (ESP, 1:57.62, PB) finished gamely to capture the silver and bronze. Not since I watched Paula Ivan of Romania dismantle the 1500 field from the front in Seoul have I seen anyone just run away and win a middle distance event in such fashion. Easily one of the highlights of this meet.
And front running seemed to be the winning recipe to finish off this meet, as that is what Kerron Clement (USA) did to win the Men's 400 Hurdles. Not known as the best hurdler in the event Clement did what he does best - just ran. He went out from the gun and was clearly in the lead down the backstretch. He continued around the turn and only Felix Sanchez (DOM) seemed game enough to challenge. But Clement still came into the homestretch with a huge lead. He gave a bit back as he chopped and hit a couple of hurdles, but no one out runs him in the stretch and he finished well clear of the field in a year leading 47.61 for the gold. Sanchez finished strong to win the silver in 48.01 while Marek Plawgo (POL) out finished the rest of the field for the bronze in a National Record 48.12.
Another great end to a solid day of competition. Tomorrow we get to see if Tyson Gay can pull off the double and who will be the women's 400 meter queen.
Day Three --
Upset Monday! As the day was filled with favorites falling. This mornings session was all qualifying. And for the most part everyone that should have moved through, did. I have to say that in the Women's Discus I was disappointed that Suzy Powell (USA) didn't move through as she has been a favorite of mine for a long time now.
The Women's 100 hurdlers ran the first round with favorites Michelle Perry (USA, 12.72), Lolo Jones (USA, 12.86), Perdita Felicien (CAN, 12.73), Virginia Powell (USA, 12.76), and Susanna Kallur (12.66) all moving along comfortably. Ditto the Women's 400 hurdlers as Yulia Pechonkina (RUS, 54.50), Tiffany Ross Williams (USA, 54.24), Tatiana Tereschuk Antipova (UKR, 54.74) and Jana Rawlinson (AUS, 54.77) all won their first round heats along with Xiaoxiao Huang (CHN, 55.64).
The real competition began in the afternoon session with the final of the Men's Hammer Throw which brought about a huge upset as favored Koji Murofushi (JPN) threw a seasons best 80.46/264'0" but finished 6th! The gold going to Ivan Tsikhan (BLR, 83.63/274'4, WL) who sat well outside the medals until he unleashed his monster throw in the 6th and final round. Silver went to Primoz Kozmus (SLO, 83.39/269'11) who had been a contender throughout the competition. Libor Charfreitag (SVK, 81.60/267'8, SB) took the bronze with his final throw of the competition.
The upsets continued with another favorite falling in the Women's Steeplechase as Guinara Samitova Galkina (RUS) falling out of the medals and down to 7th place. Her team mates took up the slack, however as Yekaterina Volkova (RUS, 9:06.57) and Tatyana Petrova (RUS, 9:09.19) took gold and silver with Volkova setting a new championships record in the process. Eunice Jepkorir (KEN, 9:20.09) joined the Russians on the podium with her bronze medal effort.
The upsets continued as we moved to the Men's Triple Jump and lightly regarded Nelson Evora (POR, 18.74/58'2.25) set a National Record in winning the gold medal over the more accomplished Jadel Gregorio (BRA, 17.59/57'8..5) and Walter Davis (USA, 17.33/56'10.25, SB) in the silver and bronze medal positions.
More upsets followed in the semifinals of the Men's 1500 and Women's 400 as projected finalists Medhi Baala (FRA, Men's 1500) and Natasha Hastings (USA, Women's 400) both failed to advance to the finals! Baala due to disqualification and Hastings just didn't have it today running a very sub par 51.45) in a round that saw 13 seasons bests set by various athletes including sub50sec efforts by Novlene Williams (JAM, 49.66), Nicola Sanders (GBR, 49.77) and Natalya Antyukh (RUS, 49.93).
The one race that was no surprise was the Men's 10000 Meters as Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) showed why he is the worlds preeminent distance runner as he ran a season's best 27:05.90 to win gold. It was another easy win as he finished well ahead of silver medalist Sileshi Sihine (ETH, 27:09.03) and bronze medalist Martin Irungu Mathathi (KEN, 27:12.17).
But the race of the day, as well as the meet so far, was the Women's 100 Meters! And this too featured a mild upset as a blanket finish saw the first five women within .04 of each other! A blazing start by defending champ Lauryn Williams (USA) saw the rest of a determined field gradually close ground until the finish line found five women leaning for gold. After a 5 to 10 minute wait, that seemed like an eternity the results were announced:
1. 11.01 - Veronica Campbell (AM)
2. 11.01 - Lauryn Williams (USA)
3. 11.02 - Carmelita Jeter (USA)
4. 11.05 - Torri Edwards (USA)
5. 11.05 - Kim Gevaert (BEL)
6. 11.08 - Christine Arron (FRA)
7. 11.12 - Kerron Stewart (JAM)
8. 11.26 - Oludamola Osayomi (NGR)
With most of these women still very young, perhaps we can look forward to many similar races in the future. It was a fitting end to the day and leaves me looking with anticipation towards the rest of the competition.
Day Two --
Well, as the sun rises here another day is done in Osaka. A very quiet day for the most part that seemed to be set up for just one race - the Men's 100. But before we go there, there was a lot of qualifying going on, and a couple other finals. The day started with another long distance race, the Men's 20K Race Walk and a spirited race for the medals as Jefferson Perez (ECU, 1:22:20), Francisco Javier Fernandez (ESP, 1:22:40), and Hatem Ghoula (TUN, 1:22:40) garnered gold, silver, and bronze.
Discus Qualifying saw heavey favorite Virgilijus Alekna (LTU, 66.54/218'4") move through easily. But world leader Gerd Kanter (EST) also lead the qualifying at 67.45/221'3"! Could an upset be in the offing?
The Women's Shot Put had both their qualifying rounds and finals today. Valerie Vili (NZL, 20.54/67'4.75") taking gold with her world leading effort. Silver went to Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR, 20.48, 67'2.25) in a seasons best and bronze to Nadine Kleinert (GER, 19.77/64'10.25) a seasons best for her as well. Great throwing by these women.
The Women's 400 qualifying began and went pretty much according to form. Natalya Antyukh (RUS, 50.88), Dee Dee Trotter (USA, 51.27), Tatyana Veshkurova (RUS, 51.67), Novlene Williams (JAM, 50.21) and Christine Ohuruogu (GBR, 50.46) were all heat winners and no one of note failed to move through.
Similar results came out of the Women's 100 qualifying rounds as Torri Edwards (11.14/11.13), Veronica Campbell (JAM, 11.33, 11.08) Tezzhan Naimova (BUL, 11.15, 11.21)and Lauryn Williams (USA, 11.41/ 11.16) moved through to tomorrows semifinals, and no one of note was dropped.
The same could not be said for the Women's 800 Meters as several potential finalists - Kenia Sinclair (JAM), Zulia Calatayud (CUB), Hazel Clark (USA) were eliminated in an onslaught of seasonal and personal bests that was highlighted by Heat 3 in which Janeth Jepkosgei (KEN, 1:56.17, WL), Hasna Benhassi (MAR, 1:56.84, SB), Maria Mutola (MOZ, 1:56.98, SB) and Brigita Langerholc (SLO, 1:58.41, PB) re-wrote this year's world list! The event saw 13 seasons bests established in the semis! Incredible running.
Incredible also describes the Women's Heptathlon which finished today. Favorite Carolina Kluft (SWE) showed why she is the best in the world by completing the event with a world leading total of 7032 pts for gold. Finishing impressively for silver was Lyudmila Blonska (UKR, 6832) with a National Record. And Kelly Sotherton (GBR, 6510) set a seasons best with her bronze medal performance. This event was extremely deep, as 11 of the first 12 women had seasonal best performances - 5 of them setting personal bests in the process!
The penultimate event of the day, the Men's 400 Meter Hurdle Semis, saw perhaps the biggest disappointment as defending Champion Bershawn Jackson lead the entire race until hitting the final hurdle. He fell back to 4th and battled his way to 3 but did not advance on time. That heat, ironically, was won by another former World Champion, Felix Sanchez (DOM, 48.35). Who along with Marek Plawgo (POL, 48.18) and Kerron Clement (USA, 48.60) lead the qualifiers into the final. With Periliks Iakovakis (GRE, 48.44) and James Carter (USA, 48.30) also through to the final this should be one fast and hotly contested race.
Which brings us to the final, and most anticipated, event of the day - The Men's 100 Meters. This final has been brewing all season long and has been billed as the Showdown between speed demons Asafa Powell (JAM, World Record Holder) and Tyson Gay (USA, Seasons Hottest Sprinter). And it didn't take long to hand out the gold as no false starts and 9.85sec later Tyson Gay became the new World Champion. Powell lead early, but Gay was out decently and went into his patented overdrive gear going by Powell (9.96). Pulling off an upset was Derrick Atkins (BAH, Rookie of the Year) who finished between the two titans in 9.91! A stirring end to an otherwise somewhat quiet day. But now I am salivating in anticipation of tomorrow's Women's 100 Meter Final!
Day One --
Ah, we're finally here. The suns barely up here on the West Coast of the United States and already a full day of competition is done in Japan. And if the first day is any indication then we're in for a real treat. The day featured three finals and the opening rounds of several events including the much anticipated Men's 100 meter.
The meet started off with a bang with an upset win in the Men's Marathon by Kenyan Luke Kibet in a rather slowish 2:15:59. But with temperatures starting at 28 degrees Celsius and increasing to 33 degrees, and humidity dropping from 81% to 67% this is clearly speed event weather and not really great for the long distances. Qatar's investment in the sport continues to pay off as Mubarak Hassan Shami took silver in 2:17:18, with Viktor Rothlin of Switzerland rounding out the medalists at 2:17:25.
While the Marathon provided some surprises, the Men's Shot and Women's 10000 played true to form. In the Shot Put Reese Hoffa (USA) showed why he entered as favorite as he was the #2 qualifier in the qualifying rounds at 20.89m (68'6.5") then blowing the field away with his 22.04m (72'3.75") in the final to win the gold. Hoffa completely dominated this competition, as 4 of his 5 legal throws were good enough for gold, in spite of the fact that silver medalist Adam Nelson (USA, 21.61/70'10.75) and bronze medalist Andrei Mikhnevich (BLR, 21.27/69'9.5) threw their seasons bests! Now THAT's domination.
Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH) gave a dominant performance of her own in the final final of the day. Shadowing Elvan Abeylegesse (TUR) from around the 8000m mark, Dibaba exploded at the bell running by Abeylegesse as if the race had just begun and opened up a 40 meter lead in the next half lap. Dibaba won gold easily in a season's best 31:55.41, with Abeylegesse taking silver in 31:59.40, and Kara Goucher (USA) a surprising bronze in 32:02.05.
In between these medal winning efforts, there was a lot of initial qualifying starting with the Women's Heptathlon. And judging from the Heptathlon results, this track is as fast as advertised! Now normally I wouldn't say that after a Heptathlon because the 100 hurdle and 200 meter times of the heptathletes pale in comparison to those of the specialists in those events. But what was impressive about these rounds was the number of individuals setting season and lifetime bests. In the hurdle heats, 23 of 40 competitors has seasons bests, 12 of those being lifetime bests! In the 200 23 of 39 competitors has seasons bests, 8 of them lifetime bests. A pretty good indication that we should be seeing a lot of very fast racing when the sprint and hurdle specialists get past the opening rounds.
Throwing in the high jump and shot put, the other first day events, we find Carolina Kluft (SWE) in her familiar position as the comfortable leader of the event with 4162 points. Her closest competitors being Lyudmila Blonska (UKR, 4014), Kelly Sotherton (GBR, 3989) and Jessica Ennis (GBR, 3942).
In other qualifying events Eunice Jepkorir (KEN) lead the Women's Steeple qualifiers ar 9:32.27. The Men's 1500 saw favored athletes Alan Webb (USA, 3:40.73), Mehdi Baala (FRA, 3:38.65, Raashid Ramzi (BRN, 3:38.72), and Bernard Lagat (USA, 3:41.68) get through the qualifying rounds easily. The major casualty being Ivan Hesko (UKR) who failed to move out of the first heat.
In the Women's 800 favored Olga Kotlyarova (RUS, 2:01.75) moved through as did top competitors Zulia Calatayud (CUB, 2:01.81), Maria Mutola (MOZ, 2:00.00), Brigita Langerholc (SLO, 2:00.20), and Hasna Benhassi (MAR, 2:00.31).
The Men's Hammer saw favored Koji Murofushi (JAP, 77.25m) moved through easily to the finals as did the principles in the Men's 400 hurdles James Carter (USA, 49.52), Kerron Clement (USA, 49.07), Periklis Iakovakis (GRE, 49.10) and Bershawn Jackson (USA, 48.87). The surprise for me in this event was former champion Felix Sanchez (DOM, 48.70) leading the first round with his seasons best - which could be another indication of how fast this surface is.
Finals aside, the first day featured the first two rounds of the race for the Worlds Fastest Human - The Men's 100 meters. And as the first two rounds have unfolded, this is shaping up, as we thought it would, as a showdown between Jamaican Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay. Both made their way easily through the opening Heats and Quarterfinals, Powell running (10.34, 10.01 ) and Gay running (10.19, 10.06). And though Powell was pressured a bit by Derrick Atkins (BAH, 10.25, 10.02) in their quarterfinal heat, both Powell and Gay appeared well in control of their races. Atkins continues to look like a potential medalist, and Marlon Devonish (GBR, 10.13, 10.13) looks like he is ready to challenge for the podium. A major casualty of the first day was the disqualification of Francis Obikwleu (POR, fs) in heat 3 of the first round.
Tomorrow is shaping up as a real barn burner!
|
|
Our thoughts and prayers with the people of Greece
By: Chris Galakoutis
Saturday, August 25 2007 11:35:25 AM |
|
|
The celebration that is athletics has been set aside this weekend by the unfolding tragedy in Greece.
Fires have, as I write, taken the lives of 51 people. The country is pleading for help from its EU neighbors.
The prime minister, in a deeply moving speech, has just addresses the nation, noting that anyone found responsible for setting the fires - reports suggest foul play may be at hand given that many of the blazes seem to have mysteriously caught at the same time - will be dealt with harshly.
Natural disasters have been a common theme this summer. Last week a major hurricane ripped through Jamaica as well as Mexico, and flooding here in the US took a severe toll.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that are suffering. |
|
Huge day for Greece
By: Kostas Efthimiadis
Friday, July 13 2007 7:16:40 AM |
|
|
It was a great day for Greek T&F yesterday, and not only because of the bronze medal of Panayiota Tsinopoulou in the final of the 5.000 m. walk. The World Youth Championships in Ostrava also saw Katerina Stefanidi and Marianna Zahariadi earn a ticket for the final of the pole vault and Thanasis Hrysaeidis took 5th place at the 110 m. hurdles final (USA’s Davis Wayne broke Douvalidis World youth best with a 13.18 result).
But there was also some fantastic news from Debrecen. Seven Greek athletes qualified for the finals of their events. Makis Stergioulis was 4th in his semi-final (10.39) and he will run in the final of the 100 m. next to Craig Pickering (France’s Martial Mbandjock broke Christoforos Hoidis' CR with a 10.16. Hoidis had the record from 1999 with a 10.19).
In the javelin throw, Kostas Vertoudos (72,41 m.) and Gervasios Filippidis (71,81 m.) qualified also for the final (Yiannis Smalios didn’t make it. He was 15th with a throw at 68,41 m.).
Nikos Filandarakis will be also present in the long jump final (7,42 m. at the first round) and Magda Kalpakidou at discus throw final (was 7th with 53,01 m.).
Niki Paneta needed only one jump at 13,74 m. to qualify to the final of triple jump. She was first in the qualifing round.
Antonia Stergiou will be also present at the final of high jump. She had an easy jump at 1,81 m. which was enough to give her the ticket for the final.
Dimitris Regas and Eleytheria Kobidou couldn’t make it for the final of 400m and 100m, respectively.
|
|
Tsatoumas & Iakovakis nominated for European Athlete of the Month award for June..please VOTE
By: Chris Galakoutis
Monday, July 2 2007 8:17:51 PM |
|
2.7.2007 European Athletics Association announced today the nominees for the European Athlete of the month awards for June. Click here to vote
Men: F.Obikwelu POR; M.Devonish GBR, C.Pickering GBR, D.Gillick IRL, Y.Borzakovskiy RUS, M.Baala FRA, B.Tahri FRA, G.Weidlinger AUT, T.Blaschek GER, L.Doucouré FRA, P.Iakovákis GRE, T.Lobinger GER, L.Tsátoumas GRE, D.Burkenya RUS, J.Olsen DEN, V.Alekna LTU, I.Tikhon BLR, T.Pitkämäki FIN, R.Šebrle CZE
Women: K.Gevaert BEL, T.Naimova BUL, N.Antyukh RUS, O.Zbrozhek RUS, Y.Soboleva RUS, G.Samitova RUS, S.Kallur SWE, Y.Pechonkina RUS, A.Di Martino ITA, Y.Isinbayeva RUS, M.Šestak SLO, T.Lysenko RUS, C.Obergföll GER, T.Chernova RUS, R.Turava BLR |
|
Various Weightlifting Videos
By: Chris Galakoutis
Monday, June 25 2007 10:05:29 PM |
|
|
Here are some great weightlifting clips from years past, on YouTube. I will be adding to this list going forward. If anyone has others they would like to see or contribute, let me know.
****
Pyrros Dimas Workout Video...Watch
Pyrros Dimas 1992 Olympics, Barcelona...Watch
Pyrros Dimas 1993 World's, Melbourne...Watch
Pyrros Dimas 1996 Olympics, Atlanta...Watch
Valerios Leonidis 1996 Olympics, Atlanta...Watch
Akakios Kakiasvilis 2000 Olympics, Sydney...Watch
Pyrros Dimas 2004 Olympics, Athens...Watch
Pyrros Dimas 2004 Olympics, Athens...Watch
Compilation video, various Greek winners all sports...Watch |
|
Various Track Videos
By: Chris Galakoutis
Saturday, June 23 2007 8:49:11 AM |
|
|
Here are some great video clips from years past, on YouTube. I will be adding to this list going forward. If anyone has others they would like to see or contribute, let me know.
****
Periklis Iakovakis European Championships 2006 400mh Gold medal,...Watch
Periklis Iakovakis Gold medal award ceremony,...Watch
Asafa Powell 2005 World Record 9.77 sec, Athens, Greece...Watch
Fani Halkia 2004 Olympics 400mh Gold medal,...Watch
Fani Halkia interview on Greek television,...Watch
Piyi Devetzi 2004 Athens Indoor (Feb 22), 14.81 m...Watch
Wonderful Athens 2004 promo by the BBC...Watch
Nic Macrozonaris 2003 Banamex Grand Prix...Watch
Kostas Gatsioudis 2002 Thessaloniki, Greece 91.23m.....Watch
Katerina Thanou 2002 European Championships 100m Gold medal...Watch
Kostas Kenteris 2000 Sydney Olympics 200m Gold medal...Watch
Kostas Gatsioudis 2000/6/24 Kuortane, Finland, 91.69m NR 5th All-time.....Watch
Maurice Greene 1999 World Record 9.79 sec, Athens, Greece...Watch
Ato Boldon 1998 Commonwealth Games 9.88 sec, Kuala Lumpur...Watch
Kostas Gatsioudis 1997 Bari, Italy, NR 89.22M.....Watch
Charis Papadias 1997 Gold medal 6.50 sec NR, World Indoor Championships, Paris...Watch
Ato Boldon 1997 World Championships, 200m Gold, Athens, Greece...Watch
Donovan Bailey 1996 Atlanta Olympics 100m 9.84 sec NR, World Record...Watch
Alexandros Terzian 1994 European Indoor Chmps Silver medal sets Greek record 6.51 sec, ...Watch
Voula Patoulidou 1992 Olympics Gold medal, 12.64 sec NR, Barcelona...Watch
1992 Olympics 100m Final, Barcelona, Spain...Watch
1988 Olympics 100m Final Seoul, South Korea...Watch |
|
Trust your self
By: Kostas Efthimiadis
Saturday, June 23 2007 7:14:17 AM |
|
|
With most European experts predicting that Greece will be in the last two places of the Super League’s European Cup (which starts today in Munich), you would think that the team would fight for the best possible.
Well, at the departure of the Greek team for Munich, the women’s team was almost certain that the target of the 6th place is an easy goal to achieve!
When you have athletes like Halkia (3 events), Devetzi (2 events), Karastamati (3 events), and athletes in great form like Redoumi (100 m. h.), Kokkinariou (3000 m. steeple), Hanzi – Neag (400 m. h.), Stergiou (high jump) and a great 4X100 m. team (Karastamati, Kokloni, Redoumi, Kobidou or Bouda) then you’d expect to see them fight for it!
The good news for Greece is that Spain, Belarus and France don’t really seem to have a stronger team so perhaps the faith of the women’s team will be rewarded.
On the other hand, Greek stars like Iakovakis, Tsatoumas will give their 8 points, but behind them, no one seems to believe that the Greek men’s team can save itself.
Stergioulis (100 m.), Goussis (200 m.), Douvalidis (110 m. h.), Tsiamis (triple jump) and the 4X400 m. relay team could give many points but still, the team might just need a… miracle to stay in the Super League.
Belgium is the weakest team and only Ukraine seems to be close to the Greek team. If someone from the Ukraine team will have a disastrous result like… a disqualification, then the men’s team will have a chance. But they don’t seem to want to believe in miracles or even themselves… the women do. That’s the difference… |
|
US National Championships - Blog
By: Conway Hill
Thursday, June 21 2007 3:07:43 PM |
|
Sun, Final Day
Overcast, with rain off and on. Not the way you want to finish a National Championships. And with this happening two years in a row at Indianapolis you have to wonder why we are having the National Championships here - but that is for another conversation. To the track.
With weather like this you're inviting injury and that is exactly what we got in the first semifinal of the men's 200 as Xavier Carter went down to injury! A tough blow to the US team in spite of the talent still left in the event. No other casualties in the semis, as Spearmon, Gay, and Crawford advanced. So that takes two 19.6 performers out of the finals - Carter and Dix.
The women faired better as there were no injuries, and the principals advanced. Same for the Men's 110 hurdlers as the top men all advanced. So with all the "preliminaries" out of the way, it's finals from now to the end.
The women's 800 saw high schooler Chanelle Price lead through the first 400! Alysia Johnson and Hazel Clark took the lead down the backstretch with Johnson and Clark battling toe to toe to the line. Clark took over with about 30 meters left, but Johnson gave it one last burst in the final 10 meters to eek out the narrow win 1:59.47 over Clark (1:59.60) with a charging Alice Schmidt rounding out the team in 1:59.63.
In the men's version of the 800Khadevis Robinson went to the front off the cut in and pushed the pace thru a 51.1 first 400. Nick Symmonds laid well back as Robinson stretched his lead on the backstretch. Symmonds moved up around the final turn and took off in pursuit but Robinson had far too much early lead as he won comfortably in 1:44.37. Symmonds ran a fine 1:45.17 for second with Duane Solomon earning a spot on the team in 1:45.69.
Next we got the women's 400H. Tiffany Williams went well down the backstretch and controlled the race early. Coming off the turn it was still Williams with Sheena Johnson coming hard at the end. Williams (53.28) got the lean over Johnson (53.29) with Nicole Leach (54.49) getting the third spot. Williams and Johnson both set PR's as well as the top two times in the world this year.
Then the race many have been waiting for all weekend - the men's 200. In spite of the loses of Walter Dix (withdrew) and Xavier Carter (injured in semi) this race still had star quality. Tyson Gay had already run the world leader in the 100 (9.84) and was looking to win the double here. Wallace Spearmon was the World Championship silver medalist in 2005. Shawn Crawford the Olympic Champion in 2004, and Jeremy Warner the gold medalist at 400 meter at both the Olympics and World Championships. The lined up with Spearmon in 5 and Gay in 6. Gay exploded around the turn and ran solo down the straight with Spearmon in hot pursuit. But to no avail as Gay completed the double with a sizzling 19.62 into another headwind (-0.3)! He became the second fastest ever in the event and broke Michael Johnson's meet record (19.66). WOW. Spearmon ran a very fast 19.89 in second, with Rodney Martin slipping in for the 3rd spot in 20.18. Jeremy Wariner just missed getting a spot on the team as he finished in the fourth position.
Gotta settle back down for the women's race! Allyson Felix drew lane 4 with Sanya Richards in 5 just outside her and Torri Edwards another lane out in 6. At the gun it was Edwards and Richards out hard around the turn with Felix ust off the pace. Heading into the straight it was the three of them heading for home. 50 meters from the finish Felix started to pull away as is her norm, with Richards trying to stay with her. At the tape it was Felix (22.34), Richards (22.43) making up for not making it in the 400, and Edwards (22.55) making her second squad.
Webb lead through the first lap with Bernard Lagat in tow (57.56). They continued through the half mile point (1:56.23) then Lagat took over down the backstretch and took them through 1200 in 2:53.79) with Webb in tow! Heading into the final turn it was Webb going to his shoulder. Then with 50 meters to go Webb exploded past Lagat and screamed to victory in 3:34.82! Lagat was also passed by Leonel Manzano (3:35.29) but hung on for third in 3:35.55 - a fantastic performance coming on the heals of having won the 5000 a couple of days ago.
The meet finished up with the men's 110 hurdles. And at the gun Trammell exploded to the front with Allen Johnson in pursuit. Johnson fell back early as Trammell ontinued to push. Dominque Arnold, David Oliver and the rest of the field began to close slightly, but Trammell held his lead easily to the tape in an outstanding 13.08 given the conditions! Arnold was second in 13.17 and David Oliver completes the team as he finished in 13.18. A very strong squad heads to Osaka. Allen Johnson finished 7th here in 13.60 which may signal the end of a very outstanding and distinguished career.
With most dealing with wet runways, the final field events were hampered greatly. But I would be remiss if I did not at least provide the winners:
Michael Robertson - Men's Discus 210'1" (64.04m)
Jim Dilling - Men's HJ 7'4.25"
Aarik Wilson - Men's TJ 55'11.75" (16.87m)
Kristin Heaston - Women's Shot 61'8.75" (18.74m)
This has been another outstanding National Championships. Easily the Athlete of the Meet was Tyson Gay. World Leading performances in BOTH the 100 and 200 (9.84/19.62) with both coming into slight headwinds! The best sprint double EVER. Outstanding performances abounded in spite of the poor weather conditions. A tremendous sendoff to the start of the European season, and a prelude to the World Championships which begin at the end of August.
====================
Sat, Day Three (late day)
As exciting as Friday and earlier today were, the late session was extremely quiet by comparison. The field event finals produced nothing overly exciting as Amy Acuff (6'2.25", HJ), Brittany Riley (237'7", 72.41M, Hammer), and Grace Upshaw (22'1.5", LJ) became National Champions.
We also saw the completion of the Multi Event competitions with Hyaleas Fountain (6090) and Tom Pappas (8352) easily won the women's Heptathlon, and men's Decathlon respectively. And on the track Jennifer Barringer (9:34.64 stalked the leaders in the Steeplechase until the final lap when she took the lead and then held off the challenge of Anna Willard (9:34.72) to become National Champion in the second fastest time ever for an American woman.
Qualifying rounds in the men's and women's 200's and the men's 110 hurdles went pretty much according to form. Times were hampered greatly by strong headwinds with few major casualties. There were a slew of withdrawrals from the women's 200 with names such as Shalonda Solomon, Stephanie Durst, Lauryn Williams, Carmelita Jeter, Muna Lee, Ebonie Floyd and Natasha Hastings deciding that previous events were enough. On the men's side, collegiate record holder (19.69) Walter Dix decided to call it a meet and failed to show for the men's 200.
Thoughts go now to the final day of competition tomorrow which should finish off the meet the same way that it started - FAST!
====================
Sat, Day Three (mid day)
Well, the meet (and qualifying) just began in earnest as the upsets begin! Christian Cantwell, world leader in the shot put, doesn't make the team. Sanya Richards, last year's American Female athlete of the year, undefeated in the 400, and setter of the world leading time yesterday, doesn't make the team. Such is the nature of the toughest National Championships in the world.
This early session had 5 track finals and they didn't disappoint. First up, the men's 400H final. A solid field with World Championship silver medalist and Championships 4th placer Kerron Clement. Carter was out hard at the gun, as he typically is and put pressure on the field. But Clement went with him and it was clearly going to be a two man race. It stayed that way til they came off the turn and then Clement's Achilles heal (the hurdles) kicked in. Bad steps and poor clearances of the final three hurdles put Carter way out in front. But in typical Clement fashion he reeled him back in on the stretch run to the tape. Unfortunately Clement ran out of real estate as Carter crossed the line first in a world leading 47.72. Clement also ran under 48 seconds with a fine 47.80. Derrick Williams (48.26) finished in third and these three combined with Bershawn Jackson give the US one powerful group heading to Osaka.
The women's 1500 was next and Tiffany McWilliams did the lead work for the first three quarters of the race. Coming into the final lap, Worth moved into the lead and forced the pace. 800 meter runner Treniere Clement moved up on the final backstretch and came up on Worth heading up the straight and took command of the race. Clement won in a slowish 4:07.04 over Christin Wurth (4:07.56) and Erin Donohue (4:08.22). All three will go to Osaka as Clement and Wurth have a standard times to their credit and the new rules will allow Donohue to go two with her "B" standard qualifier.
Sanya Richards took the track for the women's 400 final as the #1 woman in the world in the event. She looked the part as the gun went off and Richards went out fast. Leading down the backstretch it was starting to look like a typical Richards win. But Dee Dee Trotter seemed to have something else in mind as she stayed close around the final turn and exploded coming into the home straight! Trotter (49.64 world leader) simply moved away down the straight with Natasha Hastings (49.84 PR) in hot pursuit. At the finish Mary Weinberg (50.24 PR) moved past Richards (50.68) into third place, depriving Richards of a place in the World Championships!
Around the same time Christian Cantwell, who had been having difficulty all day, took his 3rd attempt in the shot put. He finally hit a solid put with a 69'1.5", but was called for a foul! He filed a protests but it was denied and he too missed making the US squad for Osaka. Those spots went to Reese Hoffa (70'8.25", 21.47m) who dominated the event and had all of his puts farther than 2nd place! Dan Taylor (68'10.75") and Adam Nelson (67'4.75") round out the team.
Meanwhile, back on the track, the 400 meter runners took the track in search of tickets to Osaka. And they did not disappoint. Lashawn Merritt and Angelo Taylor took it out hard through the first 200 and continued around the turn. Coming into the stretch they had space on the field and had only each other for competition. These young men ran each other stride for stride down the finishing straight with both lunging at the line! Taylor went down on the track he leaned so hard, and was rewarded with the narrowest of victories in 44.05 over Merritt in 44.06! Two 44 flats WITHOUT Wariner in the race! The battle for the final spot on the team was just as intense as Lionel Larry and Darold Williamson battled each other coming off the turn and into the straight. Their struggled lasted until 20 meters or so from the finish when Larry (44.84) gained a slight edge that he kept over Williamson (44.97) to the finish.
This session ended just as it started, with intense competition, as the women 100 hurdlers took center stage. After a false start by Michelle Perry, Ginnie Powell exploded from the blocks and immediately into the lead. Despite closing rushes by Perry and Lolo Jone, Powell held her lead to the tape and won in a fine 12.63 into another headwind (-1.3). Perry took 2nd in 12.72 with Jones third in 12.79, sending another solid squad to Osaka.
Up later will be the opening round races in the 200 meters and certainly more excitement!
===================
Fri, Day Two
Much to look forward to today with several field event finals, but with the vast majority of finals scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday, the real anticipation was on the track and the Men's 100 meters as talk of a potential WR ran its course throughout the day.
But, the early races by the Junior athletes indicated that we could have some wind issues as the wind was mostly negative and in the faces of the straightaway races! None the less, the times continued to be fairly quick as Virginia Powell ran a swift 12.79 to win her heat of the 100H with a negative (-1.7) wind. The trend continued throughout the afternoon, as heat 2, won by Nichole Denby in 12.92, had a -1.5 wind.
The wind continued to have an effect as the women's 400 hurdlers had decent, but not outstanding times in the first round. The top marks turned in by the three heat winners, Tiffany Williams (55.18), Sandra Glover (55.61) and Sheena Johnson (56.02).
As the 100 participants took center stage for the semifinals, the breezes continued as the Carmelita Jeter won the first heat in a slowish 11.33 (-2.2) and Torri Edwards won heat 2 in a solid 11.06 (-0.7). More notable than the times was the failure of Melisa Barber to qualify for the final as she placed 7th in her semi after clocking a blazing 10.95 (+2.6) in her qualifying round. In an equal surprise her twin sister Mikele, not known for her 100 meter prowess, MADE the 100 final.
Then the men took center stage and the anticipation kicked up a notch. NCAA runner up Trindon Holliday won the first heat in a moderate 10.22 as the race was hampered by a -1.4 wind. Surprisingly Shawn Crawford (4th in the '04 Olympics) was 5th and just missed making the final. Then came the "stacked" semi with Tyson Gay, current world leader Walter Dix, and Leonard Scott. A -1,1 wind slowed down most, but Gay still ran a swift and controlled 9.97! Leonard Scott was very respectable in 10.09 with Dix and Patton rounding out the qualifiers from this semi in 10.23 and 10.25 respectively. Prayers went out in hopes of a turn of the wind for the finals.
The men's 1500 first round went off without a hitch. No one of note failed to advance. Bernard Lagat was a very close second in his heat, as he prepared to come back and run the final of the 5000 a little later in the afternoon. And surprisingly Gabe Jennings as second in his heat behind Alan Webb. Jennings has been in and out of the sport and all over the world since his Olympic competition season of 2004.
The 400 meter semis showed the first real flash of speed that the event has seen this season outside of Jeremy Wariner. On the women's side, Sanya Richards got things off to a swift start as she clocked a world leading 50.02 to win the first semi. In semi #2 Dee Dee Trotter and Natasha Hastings ran each other right to the line in 50.70 and 50.72. These three should form the US team unless someone has a very special run in the final. In the men's races it would appear that there are four fighting for three spots as the first two in each semi ran sizzling times! Heat 1 went to Angelo Taylor in 44.64 with Darold Williamson closely in tow. Defending World 400H champ Bershawn Jackson was 45.06 in this heat for a personal best and a berth in the final. In semi #2 Lashawn Merritt ran a hot 44.44 to win over collegiate runner up Lionel Larry in 44.67. Look for a battle in the stretch of this final as someone very fast will be left out of the open 400 in Osaka. The good news, of course, is that we have plenty of pieces to put together another HOT 4x4 squad!
The 800 meter semis for both the men and women was pretty routine. The times were average and the only surprises were the failure of Nicole Teter to finish her semi in the women's event, and David Krummenaker to advance out of his semi in the men's event. Both are former world ranked athletes over 800 who may have seen better days in the event.
Like their counterparts on the flat, the men's 400 hurdlers kicked things up a notch. James Carter and Derrick Willliams took things to the 48 second level with times of 48.91 and 49.97 in semi #1. Former collegiate champion Ricky Harris (49.06) appeared to be back in form as he also qualified for the final. And as if that weren't fast enough Michael Tinsley and Kerron Clement neared the 47 second zone with blazing times of 48.02 and 48.08 in semi #2, Tinsley's time a world leader! Former world leader, Ken Ferguson also qualified out of this semi, setting up another blazing and competitive final.
Speaking of finals we came upon the 100 and 5000 finals to end the day. In the women's 100, Torri Edwards continued to dominate with an 11.02 win, well ahead of Lauryn Williams (11.16), Carmelita Jeter (11.17) and Allyson Felix (11.25) - wind a -0.9. All four will get to run this event in Osaka as Williams gets automatic entry as the defending Champion.
The 5000 meter finals went pretty much to form. In the women's race, Shalane Flanagan and Jen Rhines went 1,2 as Lauren Fleshman had difficulties and finished in fourth. The men's race saw Lagat, Tegenkamp and Goucher make the team, with Lagat running just about 2 hours after his opening round run in the 1500.
But THE event of the day was the men's 100 as Tyson Gay lined up along side world leader Walter Dix! The wind, which had been blowing down the stretch appeared to subside slightly, but not completely. At the gun, Leonard Scott was out like a bullet with Holliday in tow and the rest of the field in pursuit. About 35 to 40 meters out Gay hit the gas and for all intents and purposes the race was over! Tyson went into overdrive on his way to a meet record 9.84 - INTO a -0.5 wind! Trindon Holliday (10.07) and Walter Dix (10.09) made the team from another Zip Code! Gay's mark was a world leader for 2007, the fastest ever run on US soil, and the fastest time run in either the National Championships or Olympic Trials! One can only imagine what a slight tailwind would have brought. But at the level that Gay has been running this year, faster times appear on the horizon. And we get to see him again in the 200 meters - an event he has run in 19.68!
The Days Winners:
Suzy Powell - Women's Discus at 198'11" (60.63m)
A.G. Kruger - Men's Hammer at 256'3" (78.10m)
Brad Wallker - Men's Pole Vault at 18'8.25"
Dwight Phillips - Men's Long Jump at 27'5.25"
Dana Pounds - Women's Javelin at 195'8"
Shalane Flanagan - Women's 5000 at 14:51.75
Bernard Lagat - Men's 5000 at 13:30.73
Tyson Gay - Men's 100 at 9.84
====================
Thu, Day One
Looks like it was pretty much a typical opening day of competition. Only a handful of finals (Women's TJ, Men's Jav, and both 10,000's), so no upsets - so far. A few minor surprises here and there.
Some late scratches included Bershawn Jackson in the 400H, Wallace Spearmon in the 100, Sarah Schwald in the 1500, Ebonie Floyd in the 100, and Jason Smoots in the 100. Smoots hasn't shown well all year, so not a total surprise. Floyd has been running well, so a bit surprising there. And I would assume that Schwald, Jackson and Speramon are choosing to focus on other events.
Mo Greene wasn't entered so we could possibly be looking at the end of the line for Mo. Only time will tell. A couple others who did compete, but look to be near the end as well were Christe Gaines and Tyree Washington. Gaines was the slowest competitor in all of the heats of the women's 100 at 11.69 - a far cry from her five consecutive seasons under 11.00 and PR of 10.86. Likewise, Washington was the slowest competitor in all of the heats of the men's 400 in a near pedestrian 48.00. Once a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and holder of a 44.28 PR, I'm not sure I can even remember the last time Washington ran a race in the 48 sec time zone. If this be the end for Mo, Chryste and Tyree, I'd like to be the first to say, thank you for the memories. And if any decide to saddle up and give her one more try, a sincere good luck.
But as some begin to fade, others move forward, some from seemingly out of nowhere! Angelo Taylor and Derrick Brew have been completely out of the game for a while, or so it has seemed. Y
Et both were among the top 10 qualifiers in the first round of the 400 - Taylor 45.44, and Brew 45.86. Solid performances for first round competition. Bershawn Jackson chose this event to focus on (he has a bye in the 400H as defending World Champion) and went through easily in 45.77. With Jeremy Wariner focusing on the 200 (he has a bye in this event as defending World Champion) this event is wide open, and the first round, as expected, produced no real peak towards the final.
Same story in the 400H as lead players Kerron Clement, James Carter, and Ken Ferguson went through easily. Staying with the theme of once around the track, the women's 400 went according to form with Dee Dee Trotter, Sanya Richards, and Natasha Hastings winning their heats on Day One.
The most anticipated events today for me were the Men's and Women's 100. The main players sailed through the opening round. Lisa Barber and Lauryn Williams ran 10.95 and 11.02, respectively with a slightly aiding (+2.6) wind. Brianna Glenn, known more as a long jumper, ran a surprising 11.10 (+1.5) in Heat 2 just ahead of Allyson Felix's 11.13. Stepahnie Durst (11.09), Marshevet Hooker (11.10), and Carmelita Jeter (11.11) ran close and fast (+0.8) in Heat 3. And Torri Edwards continued her blazing ways with a swift 11.01 (+0.6) in Heat 4. After the swift Jr races from earlier in the day, its clear that the track and the conditions are ready to produce some fast times this weekend.
Which takes us to the Men's 100. Walter Dix took Heat 1 at 10.08 from Travis Padgett's 10.13. An email from a friend in the stadium said that Dix was last for about 40 until his speed kicked in. We'll see how long the late race surges carry him through. Tyson Gay won Heat 2 in 9.98 (+1.9). I hear this race was very similar to his heat at Carson - Slow easy start, hit the gas and went by the field around 50, then shut it off about 20 meters before the finish! If things hold up I can't wait for tomorrow's final! Leonard Scott took Heat 3 in 10.15 (+0.9). Heat 4 was deep as Mark Jelks (10.04), Leroy Dixon (10.07), Demi Omole (10.10) and Shawn Crawford (10.19) all moved through - wind +1.9. Heat 4 was also deep with Trindon Holliday (10.03), Mickey Grimes (10.06), Ivory Williams (10.11) and James Samuels (10.14) moving through one of the few windy (+4.0) races of the day. The 200 has been getting the attention, but the 100 meter men seem to be intent on leaving their mark in Indy.
Speaking of leaving their marks, Breaux Greer set another American Record in winning the Javelin! Greer threw a sensational 299'6" (91.29m) to break the mark of 297'7" (90.71m) that he set in Carson at the Adidas Classic. AWESOME.
Other Finals Winners were:
Tiombe Hurd - Women's Triple Jump at 44'4.75"
Abdi Abdirahman - Men's 10,000 in 28:13.51
Deena Kastor - Women's 10,000 in 31:357.00
Congrats to the winners, and am I looking forward to tomorrow!
====================
In just a few hours the US Nationals meet will begin. We've already seen a rapid start to things as young Rynell Parsons has won the Jr 100 meters in a fast (and I believe World Youth Record) of 10.23! Bodes very well for the Sr. Men's sprints.
Today's events begin with the opening rounds of some highly anticipated events including the Men's 400H, Men/Women 400, and the Men/Women 100. Finals will be contested in both 10,000m races.
On tap we get to see Tyson Gay, Wallace Spearmon, Walter Dix, Lashawn Merritt, Angelo Taylor, Sanya Richards, Allyson Felix and others. If the weather/wind holds up, we're in for an exciting ride the next few days! Back later after the first few rounds get started. |
|
Greek team for European Cup Super League
By: Chris Galakoutis
Monday, June 18 2007 9:38:17 PM |
|
|
The Greek team competing in Munich this weekend has been announced. No major surprises, with the winners this past weekend figuring in the list of athletes that will attempt to keep Greece in the top 6 teams of the Super League.
Somewhat surprising to see Fani Halkia running the 200 & 400m instead of her 400m hurdles event. But understandable given the team aspect of this competition and the points. Hristina Hantzi will run the 400m hurdles.
Full relay teams will be sent as well in both the 4x1 and 4x4 relays. The women's short relay will be missing Thanou so expectations have come down a peg or two. The men's team can only improve at this point after having hit bottom the last few years. With Stergioulis, Gousis and Gavelas, they may just surprise us. |
|
Tsatoumas' 8.66m no fluke
By: Chris Galakoutis
Saturday, June 9 2007 3:31:36 PM |
|
|
Louis Tsatoumas returned to action this afternoon in Crete and nailed a 8.54m long-jump (+1.8m) for the victory.
James Beckford from Jamaica was a distant 2nd with a 8.22m.
Tsatoumas is peaking at a perfect time in his career as there are 3 majors on the way the next 3 years: Osaka WC this August, Beijing 2008 as well as the Berlin 2009 WC.
With great accomplishments come great expectations, and it will be interesting to see if he can ward off the bad luck he has had at recent majors.
After going into the record books as the greatest European at sea level with his 8.66m jump last week, Tsatoumas will now enter competitions as a favorite - it will be a whole new ball game.
But he looks to be ready for the challenge, as today's 8.54, like last week's record-breaker, easily surpassed his previous PR of 8.34. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
