TrackNewsNOW

Remembering Ben Johnson's Disgrace: 25th Anniversary of Epic 100m Race in Seoul

2013-09-24T04:56:00.001-07:00

This picture right here says it all!!!

Yes that is the great Carl Lewis waaaay back in second... and the man metres ahead in blaring red is none other than the infamous Canadian Ben Johnson.
You all know the story, after euphoric Olympic glory... three days later it was all gone. Ben's world came crashing down as a routine drugs test came back positive for the steroid Stanozol. The name Ben Johnson suddenly became a pariah, no one wanted to touch with a 10ft pole.

September 24, 2013 marks 25 years since the 1988 Olympic 100m final in Seoul that shocked the world. Yet despite the subsequent disgrace so many track fans (outside of the U.S. of course) respected Ben for giving Carl Lewis the beating of his life, thus eradicating that well known smirk he was known for in those days. For many, Ben’s biggest mistake was he was caught! That 100m final in Seoul is considered the most corrupt sprint in modern Olympic history. It was later discovered that four of the top five finishers from the race have been tainted by a drug scandal.

So over the years Ben Johnson became known as the quintessential “fall guy”. In fact, where I’m from any day of the week (usually a Thursday) when food or money is short for dinner, people tend to call it the “Ben Johnson Day”. Which really means “Hard Luck Day”. After all’s been said and done, no one can argue that what Ben did was wrong, there’s always a price to pay for one’s actions.

Ben himself agrees and is now part of an international anti-doping campaign called "Choose the Right Track," run by an Australian sports apparels company, Skins. He even returned to the scene of the infamous race in Seoul. Given how much he’s endured over the years while others... not so much, we can understand Ben’s evident feelings of resentment/bitterness. However it’s hoped the #chooseTheRightTrack campaign can offer the disgraced sprinter a rare moment of redemption.

With all the doping scandals that's rocked the sport this year, perhaps the campaign slogan slogan should be "SPRINTERS TAKE NOTE"...Of course I jest.

2013: IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS: BOLT, FRASER PRYCE AND FARAH

2013-08-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

The curtain has closed on this year's world championships but if you're a track and field fan like me you're probably still savouring the tremendous display of talent put on by the world's finest athletes.

For me, this was a championship of 3's at least in the sprints, as both Usain Bolt and his compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce captured gold medals in all three sprint races.

Let's start off with Usain. Pundits predicted the Moscow championships would be a one-man and show and boy were they right. Beginning with the 100m, despite not having the best of starts, Bolt made quick work of the field winning in a time of 9.77 sec. USA's Justin Gatlin ran hard for second in 9.85 and Jamaica's Nesta Carter earned his first individual bronze medal in a time of 9.95

The 200m was no different. Even before the race, I don't think anyone ever doubted that Bolt would be the winner. His long strides attacked the corner with ferocity, putting him in complete command of the race by the 50m mark, allowing him plenty of room to ease up at the line in a time of 19.66 sec. No disrespect to the other competitors but I think most of us were really just trying to figure out who would nab the other medals. My bet was on Bolt's team mate and last year's Olympic Bronze medallist Warren Weir for 2nd, but I figured the bronze was wide open. As predicted Weir ran the race of his life, blazing the last 40m for silver in a personal best of 19.79 and American Curtis Mitchell grabbed 3rd spot.

Finally in the 4x100m the stage was already set for yet another gold. A brilliant 3rd leg by America's Rakieem Salaam actually had the USA leading Jamaica but that final exchange was nothing short of DISASTROUS (not that it would have mattered in the end) but hard to watch Salaam and Gatlin fumbling with the baton while as Jamaica executed a superior exchange...after that, the race over. Gatlin and the US team were left a distant second as Bolt powered to the line in 37.36. Well off world record pace, but a fine race nonetheless.

The win handed Jamaica Its 3rd consecutive win in this event at a major championship and permanently secured Bolt’s legend status. The proud Jamaican leaves the Moscow with eight world titles overall, equalling world gold records held by US track star Carl Lewis and Allyson Felix. In any other year 9.77 and 19.66 would have been regarded as simply mind boggling but the coming of the Bolt era has relegated these times to just "good". It is the mark of a man who’s truly changed the landscape of the sport.

The women were not to be outdone.The diminutive Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce matched Bolt's success medal for medal.

Starting with the 100m the Jamaica's superwoman exploded from the blocks, crossing the line in 10.71, leaving everyone else WAY behind. Murielle Ahoure from the Ivory Coast was closest, getting the silver 10.93 and defending champion Carmelita Jeter picking up the bronze.

But while the 100m was almost a given, the 200m was never a foregone conclusion. No one would ever want to play down the remarkable abilities of Olympic champion Allyson Felix. Track pundits were salivating for a showdown between the two in the final but alas it was not to be... regretfully Felix pulled up with a torn hamstring and you know the rest from there. Shelly-Ann won in 22.17 and Ahoure (also second in the 100m) pipped Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare at the line for 2nd. Had Felix been uninjured, I think we would have been able to really see what Shelly could do in the 200m...perhaps a sub 22? Nevertheless still an awesome race to watch. This event handed Fraser Pryce the rare sprint-double title, making her the 3rd woman in history to do so ( see what I mean about a theme of 3’s)

The 4x100m must have been like the icing on the cake, Fraser Pryce anchored the Jamaican quartet to an astounding victory in a championship record of 41.29 . I don't think I've ever seen such a margin of victory...quite astounding really. France did well for silver while defending champions USA suffering from the absence of Felix and Jeter fought hard for 3rd.

Now that we are done with the Triple triumphs in the sprints it's time to show some appreciation for the historic double-double in the long distances. Yes I'm talking about the immortal races of Great Britain's Mo Farah, who to the world's amazement claimed both the 10,000m and 5000m... repeating his unbelievable success at last year's Olympics. Whereas the thrill of the sprints is undoubtedly captivating, the perseverance of long distance runners brings another level of awe.

Farah took 10,000 gold on the opening night of the championships, with a supreme final lap then came back 6 days later to claim the 5000m. I think the longer distance was almost a certainty but you never know in the 5000m.

Farah ran a strategic race from the get go, producing a lung-bursting kick in the final lap to hold off the fast finishing Kenyans. Farah crossed the line in 13min 26.98sec.

Whatever the US lacked in the flat sprints,they made up for it in the hurdles...capturing both men 110m and women’s 100m hurdles titles. After years of injuries and rhythm struggles David Oliver overcame it all to claim the obstacle event in a commendable 13.00.

But it was the women’s equivalent that literally had me at the edge of my seat. To say defending world champion and Olympic Champion Sally Pearson was having a HORRID year, would be the understatement of the century. Two hamstring injuries and a late start to the season had the hurdles queen looking a far cry from the glory of the past two years.

The look in Pearson’s eyes just before the start of the race pretty much told the story of how difficult its been. Concern obvious in her eyes and body language as focused for the race. Meanwhile to her left the youthful Brianna Rollins was poised and confident as ever. Despite all this, at the sound of the gun Pearson took off like a bullet! For a split second I thought it was all over for Rollins...That's until I saw her finishing like a freight train. Hurdle for hurdle that girl was like flipping INSANE. Rollins caught the Australian by the 8th hurdle and blazed past Pearson in a time of 12.44sec. How she got over that horrific start and still managed to win is beyond me. Pearson has vowed it will be her final defeat in this event but I don’t know folks, Miss Rollins looks like she’s NOT going anywhere any time soon.

While the track was on fire, the field events was tantalizing. France’s Teddy Tamgho wowed the crowd with a spectacular leap of 18,04m to claim Triple Jump gold.

In an extraordinary final Tamgho edged Pedro Pichardo of Cuba and Will Claye of the United States becoming the third man to clear the magical 18 meter mark in the triple jump.

There were so many awesome races and great talent that I just cannot list them all. The above merely my highlights. However please join me in giving heartiest commendations to those below:

Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast and Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare give the African continent its first ever medals in a women's world 200 metres final on Friday

Christine Ohuruogu -- GB's iron lady--wins 400m by the narrowest of margins, smashing the 28-yr-old British record in the event,

LaShawn Merritt Reclaims mens 400m title for the USA

Russia's Aleksandr Menkov: leaps 8.56 meters for Long Jump gold

Javon Francis anchors Jamaica's 4x400m relay team with an impressive/unbelievable lap dragging Jamaica to an otherwise unlikely silver.

Finally a huge shout out to every single athlete that competed whether you won a medal or not. Can't leave without bigging up Canada for their historic performance. Just when I thought Canada wasn't making any headway in the sport, the country came through with a tally of 5 medals, the best ever for the team

CANADIAN TRAINER AT THE HEART OF DOPING SCANDAL SPEAKS OUT

2013-07-17T08:08:00.002-07:00

The story on Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson’s failed drug test just keeps on giving. At last check, the former 100-metre world-record holder and his teammate were formally placed under criminal investigation for allegedly violating Italy's doping laws.

This after Italian police confiscated unidentified substances in a raid on the hotel where they were staying in the northeastern town of Lignano Sabbiadoro. Not surprisingly Powell and Simpson’s agent Paul Doyle has since come out in vigorous defence of his athletes. Telling the Associated...

"We're not trying to throw Chris under the bus and blame him for anything. We know it has to be something in the supplements he gave them. We're not saying he did anything deliberate, but it's in those supplements. We need to figure out what it was that caused this and from there move forward."

Well naturally , Christopher Xuereb hasn't taken too kindly to these words and has made statements of his own in an email to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Here are a few excerpts you’ll find interesting:

“I worked extremely hard to help Asafa Powell and Sheron Simpson with their injuries. Most importantly, I did not provide any banned or illegal substances to Asafa Powell or Sherone Simpson. While I did recommend vitamins, all vitamins recommended by me were all purchased over the counter at reputable Nutritional stores and were major brands; Metagenics, SISU, AOR, Epiphany. I was instructed by the agent and athletes to buy these vitamins. All vitamins recommended by me were shown to the MVP club coach Stephen Francis.”

“Both athletes are clearly looking for a scapegoat, I am confident that I have done nothing wrong”

“ I am extremely disappointed that these athletes have chosen to blame me for their own violations. WADA and the public needs to stop accepting these stories and hold these athletes accountable.”

Folks, evidently this is turning into a war of words. Already we are grappling with a “he said - he said” story, but I leave it to you to draw your own conclusions. The reaction in the track community has been mixed, several believing in a conspiracy theory, while others are calling for a permanent ban. As an observer there seems to be a very fine line between vitamins and supplements with a lot of room for mistakes/things to happen. I will continue to wait for the full details but I must say this is all VERY interesting.

In the meantime, police were still analyzing the substances seized to determine if they were legal or not. Being formally placed under investigation is a step up in the Italian justice system from someone simply "informed of the facts," which is how someone can be questioned by police.

TOP SPRINTERS FAIL DRUG TESTS: GAY, POWELL AND SIMPSON

2013-07-15T04:49:00.003-07:00

Once bitter rivals on the track American Tyson Gay and Jamaica’s Asafa Powell now have something in common and I'm not talking about all the medals. Yes you've heard the devastating news that these illustrious Olympic sprinters have both failed their drug tests.

30 year old Gay the 2nd fastest man over the 100m ever, failed an out-of-competition test on May 16. While Powell, the all-time fourth quickest over the distance, was reportedly found to have a stimulant called Oxilofrine in his system at June's Jamaican Championships.

And let’s not forget three-time Olympic medallist Sherone Simpson who has also tested positive for a banned substance.

Without casting any aspersions on anyone, I think at this juncture I can say “What the ~~hell~~ heck is going on ?” As if Veronica Campbell Brown's case wasn't bad enough, Now this!!!

As a long time supporter of the sport, I cannot tell you how difficult it was for me to walk into the newsroom this morning. The scandal is one of our top sport stories today and My fellow colleagues did not hesitate to point out these latest doping violations. You see, since that fateful day in Beijing when Usain Bolt shocked the world with a record of 9.69 sec, I have been fielding questions like: Surely he’s on drugs? Come on, all of them dope right? etc...you get the drift.

Naturally I've defended the sport to the utmost, pointing out that most doping violations weren't really from successful sprinters. Enter ***strangled cough, hiccup and a sneeze***. Of course that little fake explanation has gone out the window and I'm scrambling to make sense of it all. Notable players in the track world are dubbing this a “sad day”, “difficult day” or a “dark day”. I am saying it really does NOT look good for the sport.

But take heart track fans as the known banned substances in these cases are a diuretic and a stimulant, which does not resemble the steroids and designer drugs that took down some of the past athletic giants such as Ben Johnson, Tim Montgomery, Marion Jones etc... take from it what you will. However, despite the fundamental difference, you gotta admit it all sounds/rings familiar...which is rather unfortunate.

In the meantime Gay has since pulled out of next month’s world championships and has offered no excuses.

“I don’t have a sabotage story. I don’t have any lies. I don’t have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on USADA’s hands, someone playing games... I don’t have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down.”

Powell never did make the cut for individual spots on the Jamaican team but was hoping to at least qualify for the relay team. He seems to have a positive outlook "I am reeling from this genuinely surprising result. I am confident, however, that I will come out stronger and wiser and better prepared to deal with the many twists and turns of being a professional athlete."

People are already calling for their heads, Some countries are seeing this as an opportunity to finally be among the medals... but like you all I await further details/information on this.

READY, SET, GO: USA AND JAMAICA TRIALS BEGIN TODAY

2013-06-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, track fans today is D-Day for all Jamaican and USA athletes. Be prepared to to have your eyes glued to tv and computer screens over the next four days as we ~~drool~~ watch and analyze the all the action. This is what those hard days of training and grueling gym work is for. Senior trials for both countries run Thursday, June 20 through to Sunday, June 23.

USA athletes hoping to make the cut are gathering at the Drake Stadium Des Moines, Iowa. Eyes will certainly be on sprint veterans Tyson Gay, Justin Gatlin, Carmelita Jeter and Allyson Felix.

I am really excited to see young hurdler Brianna Rollins in the women's 100m hurdles. You will remember her from that astounding run of 12.39 seconds at the NCAA. But you gotta know Olympians Dawn Harper-Nelson (12.60), Queen Harrison (12.64), hometown girl Lolo Jones (12.70) and Kellie Wells (12.73) will be bringing their A game to get on that team.

And in Jamaica things are underway at the country's National Stadium in Kingston

Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Kerron Stewart are just some of the athletes raring to go. I will be keeping an eye out for Hansle Parchment, the new national record holder for the men's 110 hurdles.

Those missing in action are Double Olympic 200m champion Veronica Campbell Brown and reigning 100m world champion Yohan Blake.

Campbell-Brown is under a provisional suspension from all competition pending the conclusion of her doping case now before the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Disciplinary Committee. Nick Davies, deputy general secretary of the International Association of Athletics Federations has since referred to VCB's case as a minor doping offence.

While Blake, still suffering from a hamstring injury in April isn't quite fit enough to compete.

Those wanting to see some of the action see the broadcasting schedules below:

USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships
All times Eastern. Check Local Listings.
June 21, LIVE 8-10 p.m. on ESPN2
June 22, LIVE 4-5 p.m. on Universal Sports, LIVE 5-7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network
June 23, 2-3 p.m. on Universal Sports, LIVE 3-4 p.m. on NBC Sports Network, LIVE 4-6 p.m. on NBC

You can also check out USATF'S website for the live webcast

Jamaica National Trials
Live streaming packages can be bought at JAA's website http://trials.trackandfieldja.com/

VERONICA CAMPBELL BROWN PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED

2013-06-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

You should all know by now that Jamaican Sprint Queen Veronica Campbell will not be participating in this weekend's National Trials. A statement on the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's website reads...

"She has been provisionally suspended from competition awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary panel that will be empanelled to hear this case.

We also wish to point out that Mrs. Veronica Campbell Brown voluntarily withdrew herself from competition and accepted the provisional suspension"

On May 4th the Double Olympic 200 metres champion tested positive for a diuretic, which can be used to mask the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Sources close to Jamaican athletics told Reuters on Tuesday that the banned drug was contained in a cream which Campbell-Brown was using to treat a leg injury and which she had declared on her doping control form.

They said an important factor was whether or not the banned drug appeared on the label of the cream. The World Anti-Doping Agency has a strict liability policy under which athletes are held responsible for any drug found in their body.

In meantime VCB's manager Claude Bryan is defending his client unequivocally. In a statement he says...

"Veronica is not a cheat, she has via hard work and dedication accomplished a record on the track which is absolutely remarkable" He goes on to say Campbell Brown is indeed shocked by the allegations and will begin the process of clearing her name"

Obviously we like the rest of the track world will be watching this case closely. The reaction from the from the track community and wider public has been mixed. I will reserve judgment until more information is released. In these situations, you really want to be careful about pronouncing a verdict without having all the concrete facts. Though we are glad for the statement from her manager, It would be nice to hear Ms. Campbell Brown speak on this matter herself.

Naturally her absence from this Jamaica's highly contested trials cannot go unnoticed, however track fans like myself are still expecting thrilling races and stiff competition, particularly in the sprints.

Veronica Campbell Brown fails Doping Test

2013-06-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Veronica Campbell Brown

ack and field community has been rocked by reports Jamaica's track star Veronica Campbell-Brown has tested positive for a banned substance. In fact I myself am having tremendous difficulty writing this. It would be one of the biggest doping violations to hit the sport in recent history.

According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Campbell-Brown's A sample tested positive for a diuretic, which acts as a masking agent, at the Jamaica Invitational meet on May 4.

It's understood she travelled to Montreal, Canada with her management team on Thursday ahead of the B sample results, which confirmed the positive finding yesterday.

The International Association of Athletics Federations is expected to make an announcement early next week. It's fair to say we will be waiting with baited breath for this very announcement.

There has been no word yet from the athlete's camp.

#VCB as she is affectionately called is one of Jamaica's most decorated female sprinters. She first garnered international acclaim in 2004 when she won gold at the 2004 Games in Athens and four years later in Beijing. the track star has a total of seven Olympic medals and nine world championship medals.

Since the news broke there has been mixed reaction from the social media:

London Olympics: 10 Great Track Moments

2012-08-13T01:56:00.001-07:00

The London Olympics may be over but fans are still savouring the tremendous display put on by the world's greatest athletes. These moments will forever be apart of London's Legacy:

SuperBolt is Back
Dubbed the King-of-Track, Usain Bolt was "THE" face of the London Games. With his face plastered all over the city and his wax figure strategically placed at Heathrow Airport, the world expected a show and Bolt delivered. The tall Jamaican powered his way to the covetous sprint double titles, becoming the only athlete to sweep the 100 and 200 events at back-to-back Olympics. Running the second fastest 100m in history Bolt powered to the line in 9.63 seconds with his training partner Yohan Blake coming in at 9.75 for silver. The longer distance produced the same result, with Bolt again getting the better of the "Beast" in a thrilling 19.32 seconds, despite easing at the line. His performance in London relegated his early season issues to distant memory and marked his re-ascension to greatness....silencing the critics.

Pocket Rocket Blasts to Gold

Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce

Jamaica's Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce became only the third woman to win back-to-back Olympic 100m titles. Several pundits predicted her to win but no one anticipated a come from behind victory. Fraser Pryce who's known for her incredible starts was left in the blocks this time around. The diminutive sprinter closed like a train in the last 20 metres to finish in 10.75. Just ahead of USA's Carmelita Jeter and fellow teammate Veronica Campbell Brown.

Over and Away

Aries Merritt stormed to victory in the men's 110 hurdles. The American is undoubtedly having the season of his life. Merrit had a great start but had looked to be even with defending champion Dayron Robles. By the 6th hurdle Robles pulled up with an injury and Merrit charged on...winning in a personal best of 12.92 seconds. World champion Jason Richardson won silver for the United States in 13.04 seconds. Bronze went to the little known Jamaican Hansle Parchment, who crossed the line in a Jamaican record time of 13.12 earning his country's first Olympic medal in that event.

Pearson's Moment

Sally Pearson set a new Olympic record with a mind boggling 12.35 sec. The Australian barely edged defending champion Dawn Harper to win the women's 100m hurdles. Pearson who was the silver medallist in Beijing wanted to do one better this time around and she DID. After a nail biting wait for several seconds the results board displayed Pearson had gotten the gold. But, kudo's to Harper for going all out in that final, earning herself a personal best of 12.37. I don't think any track pundits had expected her to get so close to the Australian, even Pearson was a bit surprised. Both athletes pushed each other and delivered us fans a scintillating race. Major props to Kellie Wells for grabbing the bronze in 12.48

Grenada's Hero

Kirani James

Kirani James earned Grenada it's first medal ever at the Olympic games. He's also the man who ended America's impressive winning streak in the men's 400m. It was such a shock to see the this final with not a single American in sight. Nevertheless, the field was deep and 19 year old James romped home in 43.94 seconds, taking two other Caribbean nationals with him for the silver and the bronze. The reigning world champion solidified his presence on the 400m stage. Well done!

Third Time's A charm

Allyson Felix

After two consecutive defeats in Athens and Beijing the "oh so graceful" Allyson Felix showed up to do battle. Quick, fluid strides took her to the finish line well ahead of the field in an admirable 21.88 seconds. Felix who gained endurance from her stint with the 400m and increased speed from running the 100m put it all together on the day for Gold. Jamaica's Fraser Pryce ran well for second in a personal best of 22.09, while Jeter picked up the bronze. Two time defending champion Veronica Campbell Brown, who's not been having the best of seasons, could only manage 4th.

Great Britain's Pride

Mohammed Farah

London had an awesome Olympics, earning a record 28 gold medals, but I think we can all agree Mo Farrah's long-distance double holds a special place in every Brit's heart. Farah became the seventh man to win both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the same Olympics. In both events he timed his races to perfection. Farah made his move at just the right time, held off the competition and cantered home to delirious screams from the crowd. He won the 10,000 in 27:30:42 ahead of his training partner USA's Galen Rupp. Days later he claimed the shorter distance in 13 minutes, 41.66 seconds

Kenya's Two-Lap Wonder

David Rudisha

David Rudisha got his piece of the limelight for not just winning the 800m, but for smashing his own record to bits in a breathtaking in 1:40:91. The Kenyan took charge of the race early on and sprinted down the home straight, managing to shave a tenth of a second off the world record he set two years ago. Meanwhile, Botswana got its first Olympic medal when 18-year-old Nigel Amos took silver in a world junior record time of 1:41.73. Kenya's Timothy Kitum got the bronze. Rudisha's performance ended the gold medal drought Kenya had been experiencing in London.

USA's Relay Glory

Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter

The American Quartet literally flew around the track to smash the 27 year old record that was set by the East Germans in 1985. Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter clocked 40.82 , leaving Jamaica with silver. Madison and Felix ran amazing first and second legs giving the USA a huge lead. Jamaica's VCB must be commended for running a superb bend, managing to make up serious ground on Knight, but in the end it was not enough. Jeter got the baton first and the race was over. The USA team was FLAWLESS. However the Jamaicans can be consoled by their new national record.

Jamaica's Fantastic Four


Nester Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt won his final medal of the London Olympics in style, anchoring Jamaica's sprint relay team to a phenomenal new world record. To my eye, both USA and Jamaica appeared even on the first and second legs but it was Yohan Blake's scorching third leg that changed the race. Blazing around the curve Blake handed over to Bolt about the same time Tyson Gay passed the baton to Ryan Bailey. And at that point, the race was over. In front of a frenzied crowd, Bolt pressed gas and exploded across the line in a stunning 36.84 seconds. The United States took silver in 37.04, equaling the old record set last year at the world championships. However it was heart break for Canada who were initially given bronze but later disqualified. Trinidad and Tobago were eventually awarded the 3rd spot.

Well there you have it, my top 10 Olympic track moments. I should add, it was really difficult to narrow this list down. Honourable mentions go to:

*America's Sanya Richards Ross for gold in the 400m

* Great Britain's Jessica Ennis for winning the Heptathlon

*The Bahamian quartet for winning the 4x400m and

*Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott for an unbelievable gold in the men's javelin.

I'll be savouring these moments for a long time...well, at least until next year's world championships in Moscow.

Saudi Women to debut at London Olympics

2012-07-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

Sarah Attar

The world will see two Saudi Arabian female athletes at the London 2012 Olympics.

This morning the International Olympic Committee announced Judoka Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani, who will compete in the 78 kilogram category, and runner Sarah Attar will take part in the 800 metres.

Saudi Arabia is accustomed to sending male-only teams but for the first time ever two Saudi women will compete at the Olympics. IOC President Jacques Rogge says they have been working very closely with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and and they finally agreed. The athletes, invited by the IOC, were entered by the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee by the official deadline of 9 July.

Rogge says this now means that by London 2012 every National Olympic Committee will have sent women to the Olympic Games.

This is definitely a step in the right direction. I think the fact one of the ladies is a track athlete, is an added bonus for track. Looking forward to seeing her lace up for the two lap event come August.

Fit Again! Usain Bolt declared "Good to Go" for London

2012-07-10T03:31:00.001-07:00

Any fears a less than fit Usain Bolt would cause an anti-climax to London's highest billed event, have been laid to rest.

Bolt's agent Ricky Simms has declared the Olympic sprinter is "back to normal, back in full training and good to go."

Concerns for the Jamaican sprint genius were heightened last month after his defeats at the national trials and subsequent withdrawal from Monaco's Diamond League meet. His recent visit to Germany for treatment by renowned sports doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt further fueled speculations that all is not well.

But Simms maintains the world record holder's problems are now behind him and reports Bolt has made a full recovery from muscle tightness. Bolt is said to be training normally at his usual European base during the summer and would be remaining there until he joins up with his countrymen at Jamaica’s pre-olympic base in Birmingham a few days before the opening ceremony. Of course we are fully aware this could just be a ploy to calm injury fears, but I must admit talks of injury this close to Olympics, would certainly jeopardize one of the biggest showdowns in London. Meet organizers and track fans must be breathing a sigh of relief.

So what do you think? Is the "King" fully fit or is the men's100m really as wide open as U.S. sprinter Tyson Gay seems to think it is? We shall see!

Blade Runner set for London Olympics

2012-07-04T07:16:00.002-07:00

Talk about a dream come true... double amputee Oscar Pistorius will run in both the 400m and the 4x100m relays at the London Olympics.

In a surprising last-minute decision Wednesday, South Africa's Olympic committee and national track federation cleared the double amputee to run in his individual event.

The Olympic committee had earlier announced that Pistorius had been only picked for the relay.
Reports are that the track body asked for permission to also allow Pistorius to run the 400, even though he had not met their qualifying criteria.

As you can imagine, 25-year-old who runs on carbon fiber blades is over the moon. In his words "Today is truly one of the proudest days of my life." Pictorius also says he's run two Olympic 'A' standard times over the past twelve months and feels his speed will peak in time for the Olympics.

He's now created history by being the only athlete set to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics this summer. This is bound to be one of the talking points come August and I for one can't wait to see it. Hopefully he can improve on his semi-final finish at last year's world championships. Either way exciting times are ahead!

US and Jamaica Team Trials: What Did We Learn?

2012-07-02T05:25:00.001-07:00

Usain Bolt CAN be beaten!

Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Yohan “di Beast” Blake produced not one, but two brilliant races to dethrone Mr Bolt. Some track pundits say they saw it coming but I’ll just be honest and say I was shocked, especially in the 100m. For me it wasn't so much the defeat, as prior to the race I thought both athletes had a 50-50 shot. It was the MARGIN of defeat that sent shock waves through the stadium and my TV screen. I think his disastrous 100m semi-final was an eye-opener. It indicated that his start is worst than we thought and displayed his vulnerability. His effort in the 200m was definitely better but still not enough. Blake got the edge in the last 50 metres and pulled away, handing the "sprint king" his first defeat in his pet-event in over 4 years. Not to stoke the fires of controversy here, but arguably Bolt isn’t really dethroned until London, who knows, it may well be enough time to pull himself together. At least his coach seems to think so.

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce is Back!

The Olympic Champion sent a fine warning to the world with an amazing 10.70 seconds. After a non-impressive 2011 and a less than stellar early season many of us wondered about her form. Then in New York last month, the diminutive sprinter gave us a glimpse of her old self when she pulled off a surprise win over a deep field. At the trials she was a beauty to watch. The reliable Veronica Campbell Brown VCB made a valiant effort but on that day she was out-matched. Shelly’s start, noticeably absent for most of last year, returned with a vengeance as she literally rocketed from the blocks. Make no mistake about it folks, the pocket-rocket has come in from the cold.

Big Statement in 110m Hurdles
If ever there was statement to be made in the men's 110 hurdles, U.S. National Champion Aries Merritt definitely made one. His 12.93 in the obstacle event, announced to the world that China's Lui Xiang wont be the only one hurdling in London. Merritt surpassed Xiang for the fastest time in the world this year, shaving 0.10 of a second off his personal best time. You'll remember, Merritt was disqualified at the Addidas Grand Prix in New York last month, so this for him was redemption. His smooth and efficient hurdling, took him to the line ahead of reigning world champion Jason Richardson, who finished second in 12.98.

Never underestimate Allyson Felix!

With the 3^rd spot for the 100m still hanging in the balance, the ever graceful 200 metre specialist, stamped her mark on her pet-event with an ~~astounding~~, no jaw-dropping 21.69 seconds. Felix showed up ready to do battle and in the process, treated us track fans to a truly INSANE race. She didn’t even have the top qualifying time in the semis and was not deemed the clear favourite. However, that’s what true champions do...they perform under pressure and somehow pullout a win, when we least expect. The two-time world champion has made no secret about her wish to finally claim an Olympic gold, could this be her year? Judging by that performance it certainly looks like it, but erring on the side of caution, only time will tell. Either way well done Allyson.

Sanya Richards-Ross is ready!

I think we can all agree 2011 was not the best year for Sanya, however that was nothing but a faded memory after her stunning 49.28 at the US trials.
That ladies and gentlemen was the fastest time in the 400m since 2009 and proves the quarter miler is in the form of her life. Nice and easy, fluid strides stormed her to victory. I also notice her race strategy has improved vastly. A wise and seasoned Sanya doesn't look set to repeat the 2008 mistake of going out too hard, too early.
Richards Ross also managed to book a spot in the 200m, which I think is an added bonus. A clocking of 22.15 is not shabby at all. #doublethreat? Maybe, we’ll see come London.

Jamaica/ US Sprint Match-Up.

Men’s 100m:We know US national champion Justin Gatlin has made some pretty big statements lately, but I feel the times speak for themselves. Blake and a “slightly-off” Bolt appear stronger to me. I hasten to add , however that a fully fit and race sharp Tyson Gay could just throw and wrench in Jamaica’s plan.

Women’s 100m: Going solely off times, I’ll give the Jamaicans the edge. Fraser-Pryce’s 10.70 looked untouchable and VCB’s 10.82 for second also bettered the US top three marks. This of course isn't set in stone, US champion Carmelita Jeter will be working furiously to change the odds.

Men’s 200m: Jamaica again. If pressed, the Blake/Bolt duo can bring the time down to the 19.20’s. That I think, speaks volumes. So though US champion Wallace Spearman’s 19.82 (wind assisted) was classic sprinting, the absence of Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin in this event further hurts the US chances.

Women’s 200m: After Felix ‘s awesomeness , the U.S comes out on top in this one. It will be pretty hard to beat Felix come August and though Shelly’s 22.10 is a tad better than Jeter’s 22.11, Jeter has already proven she is a serious contender in the longer sprint. Meanwhile I’m not sure what’s happening with VCB. The double Olympic champion did not look good in her pet-event. Before the race I thought I saw signs of weariness and her 3^rd place finish was disappointing. The last 30 metres of her race completely fell apart. That being said , we know VCB is a champion and will be heading back to the drawing board.

There you have it, my assessment of the high level sprinting on show by Jamaica and the US. Please note this was all just about making the team, a lot can change in four weeks. Like you I’ll be watching with baited breath.

Olympic Village READY for Funishings

2012-01-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

It's six months to the day before the start of the 2012 summer Olympics and the London Olympic committee has released a cool video showing a time lapse of the Athletes village. Check it out!

London Olympics Ticket Mishap leads to Thousands of Upgrades

2012-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

What an Upgrade!

Imagine buying a ticket for synchronized swimming at the London Olympics but ending up with tickets to the men's 100m finals instead.That's the reality for more than 200 ticket holders who benefited from a snafu in the olympic committee's ticket sales.

The error happened in the summer when committee sold 10,000 too many synchronized swimming tickets. As compensation the fans get their choice of top notch glamour events at no additional cost.
Thousands of ticket holders have already struck gold, upgrading to the finals of major swimming events and track events.

Reports are that approximately 200 ticket holders have nabbed tickets to the biggest event of them all --the men's 100m event.

Now that's an upgrade NO fan would turn down

Athlete for Sale....Wanna Buy?

2011-12-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

If you hate running around this time of year...why not buy an athlete who's happy to run around for you? James Ellington is a British track star who's put himself up for sale online. After suffering several injuries, he lost his sponsorships and is offering himself to the highest bidder on E-bay.

What do you get for your money? Aside from a nice athletic body and sprinting skills...maybe buyers can get a piece of an olympic medal.

Here's James' story:

Original Story from: SkySports
http://www1.skysports.com/olympics/team-gb/story/21595/7357603

Lifetime Ban for Steve Mullings

2011-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

Jamaican sprinter Steve Mullings is to serve a lifetime ban from Athletics. The sentence was handed down this afternoon by a disciplinary panel of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission.

Last Thursday the three member panel found him guilty of taking the masking agent Furosemide.
The prohibited substance was detected in his blood samples after competing at the country's national trials in June 2011.

Prior to that, Mullings had been the fastest athlete in the 100 metres for the season, clocking an impressive 9.79 at the 2011 Prefontaine Classic following that up with several other sub 10 performances.

Mullings has always maintained his innocence and has indicated his intent to appeal against the conviction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

This is the second ban for the 28 year old who served a two-year suspension in 2004 for taking testosterone.

Decision Day for Mullings

2011-11-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

Jamaican athlete Steve Mullings will know today whether he will be allowed to continue his dream of becoming the world's best sprinter. A three day anti-doping panel will convene in Kingston Jamaica to decide his fate.

Mulling's who's 2011 season got off to a flying start, was forced to cut it short after he tested positive for the banned substance Furosemide during the Jamaica's National Trials in June of this year.

In 2004 he served a two year suspension for abnormal testosterone levels in his body. Mullings who is currently based in the U.S. has always maintained his innocence.
A decision is expected sometime after 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Original Story: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/D-Day-for-Steve_10183889#ixzz1dxo1vT1K

Usain Bolt and Sally Pearson crowned IAAF Athletes of the Year

2011-11-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Usain Bolt Sally Pearson

I'm sure by now all would have heard the news, Jamaica's Usain Bolt and Australia's Sally Pearson copped the prestigious title IAAF 2011 Male and Female Athlete of the year.

Let's start with Sally. Up against Kenya's outstanding distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot and New Zealand's genius shot putter Valerie Adams, I think it's fair to say Pearson was the obvious choice. The Australian became one of the biggest highlights of the world championships, after she decimated the field in a thrilling 100m hurdles final, that saw her clock an astounding 12.28sec. The time was the 4th fastest EVER and the fastest we've seen in the event in two decades.

Pearson had a near perfect season, winning all her races but for her last at the Brussels Diamond League where she crashed into the 7th hurdle. I believe most track pundits had already picked Pearson long before the actual announcement was made.

Now to Usain Bolt. We can all agree the men's category was not easy pickings. Bolt found himself up against training partner Yohan Blake, a fast emerging track star who copped the glory event in Daegu and Kenya's David Rudisha, who is considered an 800m king. Compared to previous years Bolt's season was indeed less than perfect. However I think he got the edge because of the three finalists, he was the only one unbeaten all season. Yes he lost the 100m in Daegu but technically that was due to a false start. In all the races where he competed (meaning ran to the finish line) Bolt somehow got there first.

For many of us Blake will be remembered mostly for his jaw dropping 19.26 sec 200m race in Brussels but perhaps it came a little too late in the season. Another strike against Blake was the fact, he was beaten twice in the 100m earlier on in the year. Rudisha on the other hand, had an almost stellar year. The two lap champion won all but his final race of the season in Brussels. Still one could argue, that losing the last race of the season should hardly count in this instance. However it's rather hard to ignore that both Bolt and Blake shined in their final season performances. Added to that, the glory of the sprints almost always beats out the perseverance of the middle distance.

I tip my hat off to not only the winners but all the finalists and those who were nominated.

2011 Season Wrap and 2012 Predictions

2011-09-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Now that the dust from last week's spectacular performances in Brussels has settled, I can finally reminisce on the season in it's entirety. It's fair to say Yohan Blake, Sally Pearson and Kirani James were the biggest track stars to emerge in 2011.

James and Blake came from relative obscurity to being on the edge of greatness.Let's start with Blake. His journey took him from a 3rd place finish in the 2006 World Junior championships, to breaking the 10 second barrier in 2009, to claiming gold in Daegu. This season the world watched as Blake transformed from promising young sprinter into a world champion and top athlete. Even if he never breaks the world records in either sprints, two gold medals and a lifetime best of 19.26 in the 200m are enough to put him down in the history books.

Although Kirani's prowess as a junior athlete is well documented with a string of gold medals in Carifta games, World Junior and World Youth championships, many track fans were oblivious to this young Grenadian talent. Then came the Aviva Diamond League meet in London and suddenly James was on everyone's radar. His gold in Daegu and personal best of 44.36 in Zurich now means this guy is a force to be reckoned with. To be honest I suspect he'll stay that way for a very long time.

Pearson's story is a little different. Under her maiden name McClellan, she made waves in 2008 after copping the silver medal in Beijing. Last year she again garnered attention after a controversial win and subsequent disqualification at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. However, even after those accomplishments, I don't think any of us could have predicted her dominance this season. Nor were we prepared for the 12.28sec she unleashed in Daegu. This woman literally took the world by storm and I don't think she's done with us just yet.

2012 Look Ahead

Men's 100m: Next season should answer the question of whether Blake's win in Daegu was only due to Bolt's disqualification. I suspect Bolt's motivation to train has now been fully reawakened. Baring injury I see these two traning partners battling it out for the top spot. The return of former sprint giants Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell are highly anticipated, though whether their return will topple the exuberant Blake or mighty Bolt, remains to be seen.

Men's 200m: If you asked me a week ago whether Bolt could EVER be beaten in this event, my answer would be a resounding NO. However, after Brussels my answer is...anything is possible. If Yohan Blake doubles in London, Bolt will need to be back in world record form to retain his title. Walter Dix is also in the mix, his 19.53 performance still resonates in my mind and I look forward to seeing more of him next year. Don't forget Christophe Lemaitre whose PB of 19.80 tis an eye-opener.By now the Frenchman should know the 200m is his better event and I'm interested to see what he can do in 2012

Women's 100m: I believe we'll continue to see stiff competition between newly crowned champion Carmelita Jeter and Jamaicans Veronica Campbell Brown and Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce. Jeter owned the event this season while VCB can be consoled with a new PB of 10.76. It's hard to predict who will come out on top in London, on any given day either of these top class athletes could win. If Trinidad's Kelly-ann Baptiste can maintain her good starts, she'll be even more competitive next year. Marshevet Hooker Myers should also not be overlooked. It would be nice to see a return to full form by Kerron Stewart, Muna Lee and Lauryn Williams

Women's 200m: Without the 400m to distract her, I predict Allyson Felix will be back on top of her game. Two-time defending champion VCB is a stellar 200m runner but sometimes her performance in the event is greatly reduced after running full rounds of the 100m. If VCB doubles Felix with fresh legs will have the upper hand in this event. Jeter is also rounding into a serious 200m competitor. I suspect Bianca Knight will regroup, especially after missing out on an individual spot in Daegu.

Men's 110 hurdles: Olympic champion Dayron Robles looks good, but so do Jason Richardson and China's Liu Xiang. Following disappointment in Daegu the Cuban ended the season on a high with the Diamond League title. Robles will have a point to prove next year and let's see if he'll do it. In my book Richardson appears a master technician in every race, a quicker start could reap rewards. If David Oliver irons out the kinks in his rhythm he could re-surge next season.

Women's 100m Hurdles: Sally Pearson looks unstoppable for the next little while.Baring injury or a disaster like the one in Brussels, Pearson could very well break the world record in this event, so far she seems to be in a league of her own. She will continue face serious competition from numerous Americans particularly Diamond league winner Danielle Carruthers, defending Olympic champion Dawn Harper and national champion Kellie Wells. Uk's Tiffany Ofili Porter barely missed out on a medal in Daegu but a home crowd in London may serve as added motivation and let's not forget the plethora of talented Canadians looking to make their mark.

Men's 400m: I'm sure Kirani James and American LaShawn Merrit will renew their rivalry in the new year but the younger James will start 2012 as favourite for gold in London. Belgian twins Jonathan and Kevin Borlee are now on the radar especially after Kevin's bronze in Daegu. I'm curious to see what they'll bring in in the Olympic year. Though this season was not the best for Jamaica's Jermaine Gonzalez I recognize in him the potential of a good quarter miler. Let's not forget the injured Jeremy Wariner and the historic blade runner Oscar Pistorious.

Women's 400m: Amantle Montsho is definitely a tough competitor but though she ruled supreme this year, I do believe things could be different in 2012. There is no doubt in my mind world champion Sanya Richards Ross will work very hard to return to top form. I also cannot overlook Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu who will want to put on a good showing for her home crowd in London. Watch out for young American talent Francena McCorory, she means business.

As with any season, unforeseen injuries and an emergence of fresh young talents could render my musings absolutely pointless. But track enthusiasts like myself just cannot resist the urge to try and see into the future. Either way a brilliant 2012 season awaits.

Brussels Diamond League: Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt, Danielle Carruthers and Kennesia Bekele

2011-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today's meet in Brussels brought an end to what can only be described as a superb track and field season. There were several fabulous performances but the real shocker was Yohan Blake's jaw dropping 19.26 sec in the men's 200 metres, the second fastest time EVER.

Don't get me wrong Blakes' victory is not a total surprise, I remember him running 19.78 in Monaco last year, so I did peg him to beat Walter Dix to the line with maybe a 19.75 or even a 19.73. To say I grossly miscalculated would be putting it mildly. I honestly had to do a double take on the time. This young man stunned the audience and in the process banished Usain Bolt's earlier performance of 9.76 in the 100m to distant memory.

Any doubts about Blake's ascent to world class sprinting, must now be erased. Despite a horrible start, Blake ran down and passed world silver medalist Walter Dix. To his credit, Dix did finish in a stunning personal best of 9.53sec, the fastest time for a second place finisher in this event. Which means he has now run even faster than Tyson Gay. Another Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade was 3rd in a personal best of 19.91. I wonder what Blake's time would have been, had he gotten a better start? You do realize we came tantalizingly close to seeing a new world record.

Bolt finally clocks world lead in the men's 100m
Ok, now that my heart rate has returned to normal, I can get on with the business of analyzing the men's 100 metres. Ahead of the meet Bolt did say he wanted to end the season with a world leading time and he did just that. After his customary shaky start, he powered past compatriot Nesta Carter to win in 9.76sec, the fastest he's run since Berlin. Carter finished in 9.89 and fellow Jamaican Lerone Clarke clocked 10.05 for 3rd.
On any other day Bolt's delivery would have been well lauded but today the big man was upstaged by his younger teammate.

Camelita Meter ends season with another win

In the women's 100m world champion Carmelita Jeter her fine form with another convincing win over Jamaica's Veronica Campbell Brown. Jeter got a poor start but that didn't matter much as she motored past both Kelly-Ann Baptiste and VCB to win the event in 10.78. VCB finished second in 10.85 while fast starting Baptiste held on for 3rd in a season's best of 10.90

Sally Pearson crashes out of the women's 100 hurdles

Tragedy struck in the women's 100m hurdles for the newly crowned world champion Sally Pearson. After leading the race, Pearson clipped the sixth hurdle and crashed into the 7th. The Australian collapsed on the track in disbelief, while American Danielle Carruthers went on to win in 12.65. Carruthers also copped the Diamond League trophy for amassing the most points in the event throughout the series. Yvette Lewis and Kellie Wells were 2nd and 3rd with both awarded the same time of 12.77

Kennesia Bekele rturns to winning ways
While the sprint events took centre stage in Brussels the distance races were not to be outdone as Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele set the fastest time of the year in the 10,000 meters. Bekele who could not finish the race in Daegu displayed a splendid return to form with a time of 26 minutes, 43.16 seconds, almost 4 seconds faster that the previous year's best mark by Mo Farah.

Daegu Wrap - Day 9: Usain Bolt, Carmelita Jeter, Christian Taylor, and Mo Farah

2011-09-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

The men's 4x100m provided the 1st and only world record of the championships ad what a fitting end to 9 days of glorious performances on the track.

The Jamaican quartet of Nesta carter,Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt sped to a jaw dropping world and national record of 37.04 sec.
Carter started brilliantly on the first leg, giving Jamaica a sizable lead from the get go, handing over to Frater who maintained it, then to Blake who literally flew around the bend to Bolt who exploded on the backstretch. And to think an injured Asafa Powell wasn't even on the team. The men ran a mind blowing average of 9.25 seconds each.

The relay was however not without it's fair share of mishaps. Two teams USA and Great Britain unfortunately did not finish. A collision between the two on the last handover, ended Walter Dix's shot of challenging the Jamaicans for the gold. Though to be honest I'm not quite sure how much damage Dix could have done as Bolt looked virtually unstoppable.

Meanwhile France capitalized on the tragedies and seized the silver in 38.20 and let's not forget the St Kitts and Nevis team who got a historic breakthrough for bronze in 38.49

USA reclaims women's sprint title

Although the USA men failed to reclaim the 4x100m relay title, their women sprint relay team had no such problems.

Bianca Knight, Allyson Felix, Marshevet Hooker-Myers and Carmelita Jeter blew away the competition in 41.56sec. Jamaica got off to a fine start with a tremendous first leg from Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce but by the 2nd leg, Felix had begun to make up some ground. Marshevet Hooker Myers ran an astounding 3rd leg to give the USA the edge, handing over to Jeter a good two metres ahead of the Jamaican team. After that really, the race was over.

Jamaica's anchor Veronica Campbell Brown put in an admirable effort but it just was not in the cards today. The USA team had much smoother handovers. Jamaica, however can take some consolation in having accomplished a new national record of 41.70. Ukraine followed with the bronze in 42.51.

Taylor hop, skip and jumps to gold

With Teddy Tamgho absent from the championships, defending champion Phillips Idowu entered Daegu as the clear favourite. The athlete looked set to retain his title, especially after establishing an early lead in the competition with a first round jump of 17.56m.

But then came 21 year old year old Christian Taylor who leapt to an incredible 17.96m in the fourth round, to take the lead. For his part, Idowu did try to answer the challenge, jumping to a personal best of 17.77m but it was not enough. Taylor had the gold while his teammate, 20 year old Will Claye got the bronze in a leap of 17.50m. This really sets things up nicely for London where we could very well witness jumps of 18 metres and over.

Mo Farah gets the gold at last.

All will remember the heartbreak of British athlete Mo Farah after he lost the men's 10,000m. Well Farah put that disappointment squarely behind him and won the 5000m in fine style. At the bell, Farah who lead most of the way, staved off Ethiopia's Dejen Gebremeskel and America's Bernard Lagat. Farah crossed the line first with an awesome win of 13: 23.36sec. Lagat got the silver in 13:23.64 and Gebremeskel the bronze in 13:23.92.

I cannot over emphasize the outstanding performances at this championship, but what about the stars? Did they live up to expectations?

Usain Bolt: Did not get the expected 3 gold medals due to his false start in the 100m but bolted the Jamaican team to the only world record of the championships in the 4x100m relay

Allyson Felix: Didn't get the 200-400 double gold but got two relay gold medals, increasing her gold tally to a record of 8 gold medals.

Walter Dix: Did not fulfill his early promises of defeating Bolt but he leaves with two silver medals, easily the best accomplishment for the USA male sprinters in Daegu. Also a splendid personal best of 19.70 in the 200m

Carmelita Jeter: The 100-200 double gold evaded her but she does have the title of world's fastest woman and also a team gold medal from the 4x100m relay

Veronica Campbell Brown: She did not succeed in her quest for the sprint double but leaves the championships with her first ever 200m world championship title.

Phillips Idowu: He did not successfully defend his Triple Jump title but leaves with a silver medal and new personal best of 17.77m

Christophe Lemaitre: may not have medalled in the 100m but leaves with a bronze in the men's 200m and become the first Caucasian sprint to break the 20 second barrier in a personal best of 19.80sec. Lemaitre also leaves with a team bronze medal from the men's 4x100m relay.

Sally Pearson: Came into the championships as the 100m hurdles favourite and left not just with the expected gold, but leaves with a championship record of 12.28sec, the fastest time in 23 years.

Daegu Wrap - Day 8: Sally Pearson, Usain Bolt and Matthias De Zordo

2011-09-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Sally Pearson

Ending the curse of cover, Australia's Sally Pearson delivered one of the most spectacular displays in history giving her country it's first gold medal of the championships. The sprint hurdler shocked the world with a brilliant 12.36 win the semi finals, which tied her at 6th place on the all time list, only to come back in the final and run a blistering 12.28.

Thus clocking a personal best, an Australian and Championship record, which puts her squarely down in history as the 4th fastest ever in this event. This is also the fastest time for this event in 23 years. With an unbeaten streak all season Pearson was naturally the pre-race favourite but no one, myself included could have anticipated, the absolute destruction she brought in the final.

With her usual fast start, Pearson got off like a bullet, clearing the first and second hurdle well ahead of the field and stormed to victory. The Americans put up a good fight with Danielle Caruthers grabbing the silver and Olympic Champion Dawn Harper for the bronze. Both clocked a personal best of 12.47secs and trust me you can't ask better than that. US national champion Kellie Wells suffered a tragic fall and did not finish. It's really heartbreaking to see Wells go out like that but hats off to the winner and the two Americans for a truly breathtaking race.

Usain Bolt

Bolt Redeems Himself in the 200m

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than that, along came the men's 200m. Following his disappointing false start in the 100m, the audience watched with baited breath to see what he'd do in the longer sprint and boy were we surprised. Bolt in lane 3, got off to a decent start and quickly made short work of US national champion Walter Dix in lane 4. The tall Jamaican came off the bend in a clear lead and powered away to the line, winning by a good 3-4 metres. There was really no question in any one's mind that Bolt would win, he's been unbeaten all season. I think the real shock is in the time. For his efforts Bolt clocked a superb 19.40, the fourth fastest time in history. Based on his struggles with form, I myself had predicted 19.80 or maybe 19.75, of course my predictions were blown away. Dix ended up with the silver in a brilliant 19.70sec and Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre broke the 20 second barrier for the first time with amazing 19.80 which is also a national record. Bravo to all three athletes.

Matthias de Zordo

German's De Zordo gets 1st world title in Men's Javelin
The men's Javelin final was also delightful with Germany getting yet another win in the men's throwing events. 23 year old Matthias de Zordo's first attempt of of 86.27m was enough to take the gold. Defending Champion and favourite Andreas Thorkildsen was unable to attack finished 2nd with 84.78m, well off his season best of 90.61m . Cuba's Guillermo Martinez, who got 2nd in Berlin was 3rd this time around with a throw of 84.30

USA wins women's 4x400 relay
Although Sanya Richards Ross and Allyson Felix missed out on individual gold medals in their respective events they both made up for it by running sizzling 1st and 2nd legs in the relay. Richards Ross started things off with an amazing first lap, giving the US a huge lead which was maintained throughout the entire race. The US won in 3:18:09, bringing team USA to it's 3rd back-to back 4x400 world championship title.

Jamaica ran well for second, particularly that final leg by Shericka Williams where she narrowed the lead, bringing the team to a national record of 3:18:71. Russia got the bronze in 3:19:36.

The day produced such magnificent performances, I had a hard time deciding where to start. For me Pearson's run in women's 100m hurdles and Bolt's 200m stride will forever be etched in my mind.

Daegu Wrap - Day 7: Veronica Campbell Brown, Vivian Cheruiyot and David Storl

2011-09-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Veronica Campbell Brown

Jamaica's Veronica Campbell Brown bagged her first World Championship 200m gold in Daegu. The penultimate event, promised fireworks and boy did it deliver.

Starting in lane five, VCB got the best start of the field, literally flying around the curve. Then on the backstretch Jeter began pumping for it. 70 metres to the line, she was up on Campbell brown's shoulder and looked like pass her for the win. But, VCB said not today and produced a last surge of energy to power away, winning in a season's best of 22.22sec. Jeter finished 0.15 secs later for silver in 22.37 while three-time defending champion Allyson Felix copped the bronze in 22.42

This is the exact reverse of the first two spot's in 100m final. With this race, VCB ended Felix's unbeaten streak in world championship 200 metres and shut down Jeter's bid for the sprint double. After the race Veronica said she didn't want to go home with two silvers and found just enough to run away with the gold. Interestingly, both Jeter and Allyson Felix were featured on the sixth cover of the IAAF daily programs. I consider this a risky bet, as VCB's prowess in this event is well recorded. I myself had her to finish in the top two.

After the semis it was clear Felix's legs were suffering from the punishing 400m rounds. She however gets high commendations for attempting a feat no other female athlete has done at the world championships. Getting a silver and a bronze IS an achievement. Kudo's to Jeter for getting silver in a race that is relatively new to her. She's since said she'll double in London, so we may very well see a re-match next year.

Kenya gets it right in Women's 5000m.

Vivian Cheruiyot

Kenya is really having a ball in the long distance races in Daegu. The women's 5000m is their latest conquest with another 1st and 2nd for the African nation. Defending champion and pre-race favourite Vivian Cheruiyot finished in 14:55:36 while teammate Sylvia Kibet came through for a suprising silver in 14:56.21

Cheruiyot took the lead at the third-to-last lap, and followed up with a brilliant final lap of 58.68sec. The grueling pace proved too much for Ethiopia's former world champion Meseret Defar who ended with bronze after being overtaken in the last few metres. Cheruiyot becomes the second woman to achieve this 10,000/ 5000 double at the IAAF worls championships.

Surprise Win for Germany in Men's Shot Put

In a gripping men's shot put final Germany's 21 year old David Storl surprised the world for the gold. With a previous personal best of 21.50 Storl was never really considered a medal contender. Up until the 6th and round Canadian Dylan Armstrong's 21.64 stood as the lead. However in his last throw the German heaved a huge 21.78m to Bumping Armstrong to silver. Armstrong had the last throw of the night and under immense pressure could not answer the challenge by the younger athlete. Armstrong however provided the first medal of the championships for Canada and made history by being their first to ever medal in the shot put event. A host of impressive competitors such as reigning world champion Andrew Cantwell and 2007 champion Reese Hoffa was left off the podium.

LaShawn Merrit Strikes Gold for USA 4x400m Relay Team

In the final event for the night, Merrit who took silver in 400m hurdles on Tuesday, ran a superb anchor leg to give the USA another victory in the men's 4x400m relay. After a moderate start with Greg Nixon, the USA team was in 3rd position for much of the race. It all came down to the final lap where Merrit ran a calculated race last leg. He first overtook the Jamaican runner Leford Green, then bid his time until the final 100 metres. After the bend, Merrit stormed ahead of South Africa's LJ van Zyl to take the gold in a time of 2:59.31

Daegu Wrap - Day 6: Jennifer Barringer Simpson, Lashinder Demus and Dai Greene

2011-09-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Barringer Simpson

America's Jennifer Barringer Simpson stunned her rivals with a surprise win in the women's 1500 metres. Simpson won convincingly in a time of 4:05:40. To understand how big a shock this is, let me put it into perspective.

Pior to the championships Simpson had the 25th best time of the season, she wasn't even expected to make it past semi-finals much less the gold. Simpson, however, did not let her poor ranking trouble her and romped home to gold with a smile of utter jubilation. Britain's Hannah England ran strong in the last metres for silver in 4:05:68, overtaking a tiring Natalia Rodriguez of Spain. Two time defending champion and pre-race favourite Maryam Jamal never really factored in the final and ended a disappointing 12th.

Demus Triumphs with 3rd fastest time in 400m Hurdles
Lashinda Demus got the better of the Jamaicans in a spectacular 400m hurdle final. Demus who in 2009 played bridesmaid to Jamaica's Melaine Walker finally got her revenge. Walker, running out of the undesirable lane 8, got off to a very fast start and was marginally ahead of the field for most of the race. However, on the backstretch, Demus kicked into another gear and powered to the line in a world lead of 52.47sec. Walker clocked a season best of 52.73 which is commendable considering her season-long struggle with form. Russia's Natalya Antyukh came through for third, out running 2010's Diamond League winner Kaliese Spencer. Prior to the championships Spencer had displayed amazing form but was clearly not at her best through the rounds. By the last 40 metres Spencer's legs had given up.

Dai Greene Cruises to Gold
In a fine run, Dai Greene provided the UK with it's first gold medal of the championships. The field had an even start with the fastest qualifier Puerto Rican Javier Culson opening up a lead at the final curve. 50 metres to the line a confident Greene surged ahead, powering to the line in 48.26sec. Culson was a clear second in 48.44sec, he was followed by South Africa's LJ van Zyl for the bronze. The American's surprisingly did not finish among the medals, as Angelo Taylor and former champion Bershawn Jackson finished down the field.

Ezekiel Kemboi in celebration

Ezekiel Kemboi repeats Steeple Chase Success

Kenya continued it's great performance in Daegu with another 1, 2 finish in men's steeple chase. Ezekiel Kemboi became the first Kenyan to successfully defend his world championship title. With about 300metres to go Kemboi completely changed the pace and literally sped to the line. Well before the end of the race he still had time to hail the crowd. The race was awesome but the real entertainment started AFTER it. The Kenyan took his shirt off and gave the audience a taste of African rhythm by whining and gyrating his waistline in obvious glee. I was so caught up in the moment I barely registered the times for 2nd and 3rd place, but here they are. Brimin Kipruto got silver in 8:16:05 and France's Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad got bronze in 8:16:09

Slowest 100m race at the Daegu World Championships: Sogelau Tuvalu

2011-08-31T04:31:00.000-07:00

And the Award for the slowest male sprinter in Daegu goes to Sogelau Tuvalu. He's a 17 year old track and field athlete from American Samoa.

Now Tuvalu had hoped to participate in the shot put event but after failing to qualify he tried for the next best thing...the 100 metres. He made the Samoan team and next thing you know, he's in Daegu running in the heats.

Tuvalu clocked a whopping 15.66 seconds, the second slowest 100m race in World Championship History. He also had rather slow reaction time of .269 seconds which really meant he was never really in the runnings, but I gotta hand it to the guy for trying. Despite being at the back of the field he did not give up and ran all the way to the line. However I just cannot get over the HUGE margin between himself and the other sprinters.

Savannah Sanitoa

What's really shocking to me is that Samoa has produced a female sprinter who's actually ran faster than Tuvali.

At the 2009 Berlin Championships Savannah Sanitoa clocked 14.23 secs in the first round of the women's 100m. Coincidentally Sanitoa was also a shotputter before she turned her attention to sprinting.

I won't knock Samoa for trying, you never know what could happen in a decade or so.