World Championships

It's been a great week for track and field.  I've enjoyed cheering "USA, USA".  Today was the last day of events which is always a fun time since almost every race is a final.

It's been a hot, humid week in Daegu, Korea.  None of the athletes can appreciate that more than the marathoners.  The top American male marathoner, Mike Morgan, collapsed just 10 yards away from the finish line.  All the volunteers could do was to cheer for him to finish (he'd be disqualified if he received ANY assistance).  He was able to pull himself up and cross the finish line.  What an athlete!

Back at the track we had some great excitement with the 4x100 relays.  The American women took Gold.  Unfortunately, the American men's team was tripped up by the Brits in the neighboring lane and didn't make the final exchange of the baton.

In the 5000 meter race, I give kudos to Galen Rupp who, I believe, sacrificed for the greater good.  It's obvious that Bernard Lagat is a target for the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.  So Rupp provided the services of a rabbit so all the runners would be focused on him and not Lagat.  Then in the last 150 meters of the race, Lagat was able to break free and sprint to the finish to claim a Silver medal.

Metric Milers

Americans are back.  Just 2 days ago Jenny Simpson won Gold in the 1500 and tonight we were given more good news.

Matthew Centrowitz took Bronze in the 1500 meters.  The best news is he's just a senior at the University of Oregon, which means he's gonna be around for awhile.

I for one look forward to seeing what the American metric milers can do at the Olympics next year.

3 Gold Medals in 30 Minutes

A miracle took place in Daegu, Korea at the Track and Field World Championships.  Within 30 minutes the Americans won 3 Gold medals.

Jesse Williams won Gold in the high jump.  Not only is it Gold but it's the first EVER American medal in high jump at the Worlds.

In a race that took my breath away, Jenny Simpson won Gold in the 1500 meters.  She's the first American to win Gold since Mary Decker Slaney in 1983 (which was the first year of Worlds).

Lashinda Demus won Gold in the 400 meter hurdles, beating the previous American record time by .14 seconds.

All I can say is to chant: U  S  A,  U  S  A!

Bolt's Regret

As you've previously read I've been greatly anticipating the World Championships for Track and Field.  Just like most people I enjoy watching the 100 meter dash.  I was a little disappointed that Tyson Gay is injured but was hoping Walter Dix would be able to fend off the Jamaicans.  I'm not a fan of Usain Bolt. In my opinion he's way too cocky, too much of a "show boater".

So in watching the men's 100 meter final on tv today I had to smile when Bolt false started.  Yes, another Jamaican won the race but I think it may have reminded Bolt that he is still human.

Congrats to Walter Dix who was the silver medalist.